Set of Mosaic and Marble Panels

This spectacular set of seven panels is constructed of marble with inset mosaic decoration. The IHS medallion on the large panel identifies this work as having been in a Christian church, possibly on an altar. IHS stands for the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, iota eta sigma.

The images on these panels are filled with symbolism. Many religious symbols in Christianity have their origins in pagan Roman art. The following symbols appear in these panels. The grapes represented the harvest of life, joy, and celebration in pagan art. Early Christians made grapes a symbol of the wine of the Eucharist and Christ’s Blood. A vine and its branches also represent Christ and his followers.

Wheat was an ancient symbol of bread, which has been a basic food throughout human history. In Christianity, wheat has become another Eucharistic symbol, representing the Bread of Life or Christ’s Body. Wheat is also a sign of God’s bounty or His Word that grows in fertile soil.

The palm branches have also taken on new meaning over time. They symbolized victory in war in ancient art. They then became a symbol of Christ’s victory over death.

Special Feature

• Mosaic tiles are usually in solid colors, making the two-tone tiles here unusual. The artist created intricate shapes and details in the mosaics here, especially in the depiction of the wheat. Such design features were not part of historic mosaics.