Fragment of a Sarcophagus with Putti in a Grapevine

Unknown

3rd–4th century · Marble · Medieval Art

Vines that supported grape-plucking putti, or figures of children, and baskets full of the fruit on late Roman sarcophagi often refer to Dionysos, god of wine, and his promise of a blessed afterlife. Christians adopted the motif to represent a biblical passage (John 15:5)-I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit-and as a reference to the wine of the Eucharist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–4th century

Medium

Marble

Culture

Roman

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1924