Vatican Museums

This small slab (late third – early fourth century), from the cemetery of Priscilla on the Via Salaria, possibly closed the tomb of a child and bears an inscription wishing life to the deceased Severa (“Live in God!”) alongside rich figurative decoration. This is composed of a portrait of the child holding a scroll (volumen), a sign of wisdom, in her hands; on the right there is one of the most ancient representations of the adoration of the Magi. The latter, depicted in oriental apparel with their capes lifted by the wind to indicate movement, are led by the star to Mary, who is seated on a high wicker chair, with the baby Jesus in her arms, his arm outstretched to receive the gifts. Behind the seat the prophet Bàlaam, standing, indicates the star, alluding to the fulfilment of the Messianic prophecy: “A star will come out of Jacob, a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Num 24, 17).