Fractio panis

The Catacombs of Priscilla on the Via Salaria in Rome are situated in a quarry that during Roman time was used for burials. Some of the walls and ceilings in the catacombs display fine decorations illustrating Biblical scenes. They contain many wall paintings representing saints and early Christian symbols.

Particularly notable is the "Greek Chapel" (Cappella Greca), a square chamber with an arch which contains 2nd- and 3rd-century frescoes generally interpreted to be Old and New Testament scenes, including the Fractio Panis. This painting is found upon the face of the arch immediately over the altar tomb, upon which the sacrament of the Eucharist was performed.

The scene represents seven persons at a table, six men and a woman. Six of these are reclining as the ancients reclined at their meals. But the seventh person, a bearded figure, sits somewhat apart at the extremity of the table. His head is thrown back, he has a small loaf or cake in his hands, and his arms stretched out in front of him show that he is breaking it. Upon the table immediately before him is a two-handled cup. Further along the table there are two large plates, one containing two fishes, the other five loaves. At each extremity of the picture upon either side we notice baskets filled with loaves — four baskets at one end, three at the other.

In liturgy, Fractio panis (Latin: Breaking of the bread) is the rite of breaking the sacramental bread within the Eucharistic celebration before distribution to communicants.