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Glass Fragment with a Young Paul

5th century AD

Glass/Cut glass

Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, Inv.-Nr. 2476

This shard is a rim fragment of an ancient round cut-glass bowl. Motifs are carved into the glass surface by grinding or cutting. The pictorial field shows the Apostle Paul as a young, beardless man in ancient garb.

Inscription: Christogram (Chi and Rho, the initial letters of the Greek word *Christos*)

Inscription: Παύλος (Paulos)

In contrast to the widespread depiction of him as an older man with a long beard and a receding hairline, a rare youthful portrayal is seen here. A star containing a Christogram is visible on the left. Above the figure, traces of the Greek inscription for the name Paul can be made out.

Glass fragment depicting the youthful Paul, 5th century AD, glass/cut glass, Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, Inv. No. 2476, © Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, photo: Robert Dylka
Glass fragment depicting the youthful Paul, 5th century AD, glass/cut glass, Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, Inv. No. 2476, © Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster, photo: Robert Dylka