Rock-birth relief from Schwadorf

Relief in limestone (H. 1.35 Br. 0.55 D. 0.30), from Schwadorf. Vienna (Wien), Kunsthistorisches Museum, Inv. No. I, 277a.Seidl in Arch KOG 1851, 216; 1853, 83; Arneth in Sb. Ak. Wien XI, 1853, 334; Sacken-Kenner, Samml., 53 No. 250a; Maionica, Felsengeburt, 37 No. XIII and Pl. II; MMM II 333f No. 231 and fig. 209; RRR II, 141, 3. See fig. 419.Naked Mithras being born from a cylindrical rock stone against which a serpent coils upwards. The god's head and hands are lost. On either side sits a youth in Oriental dress (Cautes and Cautopates). Both hold their hands on their knees. The l…