Orpheus is playing a lyre, surrounded by real and mythical animals and birds. According to mythology Orpheus was a citharoedus from Thrace who had the gift of enchanting men and animals with the sound of his lyre. In Christian Art his figure is an allegorical depiction of Christ, who attracted people to the faith. The sculpture is a table support, product of an Asia Minor workshop . Similar carved supports decorated with common subjects like the Calf-bearer (Moschophoros) or Bellerophontes have been found in other parts of the Mediterranean. The Byzantine Museum’s item with the seated Orpheus is considered rare, being one of the three preserved in a good condition.