2-745-122 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Mystical Grapes, c. 1500. During the late medieval period, intense mystical fervor in Europe focused largely on the blood and Passion of Christ. In this exceptionally fine tapestry, the Christ child, flanked by Mary and Joseph, squeezes grapes into a chalice, symbolizing the shedding of Christ’s blood for the redemption of mankind. Behind, three angels are reading from an open book. Small tapestries such as this were used for personal devotions.