Wine making and drinking date back to Ancient Egypt. The grape vine is thus often used in ancient Egyptian art, such as on the Hypostyle Hall that is supported by 24 columns. Built in the first century AD, each column of the hall features a different scene. One shows vine leaves and palm fronds, with a grape vine and grape clusters shown between the palms. Many believe the grape vine in Egyptian art symbolizes the heart, because of the similarity in shapes and the blood-colored juice of the grape. As the heart is essential to human life, the grape vine may represent this as well. Archaeologists have also uncovered tomb paintings in Egypt that depict wine making scenes. Included in these scenes are vineyards with draped or trained vines growing over trellises and arbors. Some scholars attribute this artwork to pharaohs who may have enjoyed their own wine country on the fertile soil of the Egyptian Delta.
Some ancient Greek, Etruscan and Roman art depicts rituals and other scenes amid grapevines, including pottery and paintings. Campana vases located in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, for example, contain images of dark figures, each carrying a food or celebration item. Previously thought to represent preparations for a banquet, scholars now believe these images depict a religious ritual. Grapevines are included on the vases, in some instances growing from the right. The sarcophagus of St. Drausinus also features grapevines interspersed with chrisms. According to European tradition, this case held the remains of St. Drausinus, who died approximately 680 AD. Dionysos, the Greek god of nature, is sometimes portrayed in ancient Greek artwork with long curly hair and a crown of vine leaves and grapes. Such symbolism is believed to be religious, in the sense that intoxication can be spiritual and bring people to an altered state of consciousness.
Artwork that features grapevines is prevalent in many depictions of Christ, including those painted on some church interiors. In the apse of Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore, for example, is painted "On the Path of the Pilgrim," featuring vine scrolls. On the San Clement apse mosaic is a depiction of Christ's crucifix also framed with vines. Finally, in Strasburg Cathedral, the "Death of the Virgin" is depicted with grapevines around the border. Christians represent Jesus Christ with the grapevine. The wine, in turn, is considered to be Jesus' blood. As a part of the Eucharist, the grapevine represents sacrifice because of the conversion of grapes into wine. Grapevines are also often used on Christian tombstones to represent life and immortality.
Today, the grapevine is often a part of rustic craftwork. It may be used to form wall wreaths, functional baskets and garlands. These pieces are likely to be handcrafted, with each one featuring slightly different characteristics. Other pieces that incorporate grapevines may include angels, cornucopias and snowmen for holiday decorations.