Birds with Foliage

Byzantine Empire (Antioch)

late 4th–mid 5th century

Mosaic

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Scrolls of vine and acanthus leaves enclosing human or animal forms, called rinceaux, were frequently used in the borders of large mosaic compositions. The rinceaux in this mosaic segment include birds, symbolizing the soul, and pomegranates, referring to the annual return of spring and therefore the Christian hope in immortality and resurrection. Gallery Not on View The John R. Van Derlip Fund