Detail of angels harvesting grapes from the
vine that emanates from the central shepherd. Sarcophagus of
the Good Shepherd, Catacomb of Praetextatus, Rome, 390s AD.
Full sarcophagus.
The idea of the vital union of the believers
with Christ and among each other is symbolized by the vine and
its branches (John 15:1-6).
A dove with a cluster of grapes. Inscription from the
Catacombs of Priscilla, IV sec. d.c., via Salaria Nova, Roma
(below, left)