Originally from the environs of the Villa Rufinella. Is it legit? And if truly ancient Roman, what is that in the upper right hand corner if not a pineapple?
LATER: I should add that I was pointed in the direction of that mosaic by a long, but fascinating, talk on “Mapping the Ancient Environment: The Contribution of Manuscripts and Texts,” ((Alas, it has nothing to say on how that pineapple got there.)) which in turn came to me thanks to a tweet from @mem_somerville.
I have written to Alain to ask if that’s a pineapple. I have no idea if he’ll stop by.
This ‘pineapple’ is in fact a Balady citron (etrog).
Seems reasonable. Thanks.
Thanks!