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

ca. 1st century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble cinerary urn in the form of a tree stump with leaves and grapes
  • Period: Early Imperial
  • Date: ca. 1st century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Height: 11 1/4 × 12 1/4 in., 52.5 lb. (28.6 × 31.1 cm, 23.8 kg)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of John J. Medveckis, in honor of Emily Rafferty, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2021
  • Object Number: 2021.19.1
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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