Description
This group of mosaics may be from a church at Maaut El Naaman in northern Syria. The panel depicting Adam and Eve includes a Greek inscription that translates as: "And they ate, [and they] were made naked," from the book of Genesis (3:7–8). It is possible that the mosaic belonged to a pavement illustrating the Garden of Eden. The Grape Harvester with a Peacock also conveys well-known Christian themes. The grapes represent the Eucharistic wine and thus the blood of Christ, while the peacock was a symbol of immortality.
Provenance
(J. J. Klejman, New York).
Accession Number
1969.112
Medium
marble tesserae
Dimensions
Overall: 133.5 x 144.8 cm (52 9/16 x 57 in.)
Classification
Mosaic
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund