Marble cinerary urn in the form of a tree stump with leaves and grapes

Unknown

ca. 1st century CE · Marble · Greek and Roman Art

Carved to imitate a tree stump with a cut-off branch on one side and a leafy grape vine climbing the other, this cinerary urn references the wine-god Dionysus and his victory over death. Early Imperial Roman urns frequently imitate other forms and materials. The high relief of the detached branch, leaves, and fruit creates an interplay of light and shade against the textured background of bark.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st century CE

Medium

Marble

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of John J. Medveckis, in honor of Emily Rafferty, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2021