A Roman table support at ancient Corinth (Trapezophora)

A Roman sculptured table support, discovered in Frankish destruction levels at ancient Corinth, represents a rare iconographical treatment of a popula r theme, Hermes carrying the baby Dionysos. Dating to the second half of th e 2nd century A.C., the trapezophoros is adorned with a muscular, torsional Hermes supporting Dionysos perched on his outstretched left arm. The close st parallels for this composition are the large three-dimensional groups of satyrs and babies produced at Aphrodisias. The Hermes and Dionysos group m ay have reminded its Frankish discoverers of St. Christopher, patron of tra velers and transporter of the infant Christ.