Roman Mediterranean

Xenia Mosaic: Basket with Grapes

412

2nd–3rd century CE · Roman Imperial period

A Roman Imperial xenia mosaic (2nd–3rd century CE) depicting a central basket flanked by two bunches of grapes — a quintessential xenia still-life composition symbolizing the hospitality and abundance offered to guests — rendered in a warm palette of ochres, deep browns, and creams that evoke the material warmth of the objects represented, the whole enclosed in a simple linear border that isolates the composition as a discrete, legible panel designed to communicate its message of welcome and prosperity immediately to the viewer entering the dining room or crossing the entrance threshold.