Sarcophagus Fragment with the Adoration of the Magi

Late 4th century?
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

These Magi do not wear the Phrygian caps shown in most images of the 4th century. Otherwise, the composition is the same as in others of that period. The Magi stand as in a queue and hold their gifts in outstretched hands to the child, who sits on Mary's lap, still swaddled. She sits on a throne and wears a veil on her head. The Magi are pictured as identical figures, though their gifts differ.

The naked figure on the left is part of a panel featuring Adam and Eve in Eden.

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Photographed at the basilica by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.