Rome, Italy

The Fruit and Floral Swag Relief of the Ara Pacis Augustae

2035

Augustan / Early Julio-Claudian, commissioned 13 BCE, consecrated 9 BCE

A continuous architectural relief panel from the precinct walls of the Ara Pacis Augustae, Rome, commissioned 13 BCE and consecrated 9 BCE. A heavy festoon of fruits, foliage, and ribbons hangs in a deep catenary curve between carved ox skulls (bucrania) at the upper corners, with a central circular rosette (patera) marking the apex. The festoon contains a remarkable botanical variety: pinecones, pomegranates, grapes, figs, walnuts, apples, poppies, and wheat stalks woven together with broad oak, ivy, and laurel leaves. Floating ribbons (infulae) loop through and cascade from the suspension points. Aggressive undercutting behind the protruding fruit clusters, overlapping leaves, and twisted ribbons creates dramatic shadow lines under natural or directional museum lighting.