Roman, the Levant, Imperial period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A gorgeous and large section of a floor moasic with thousands of colorful tesserae squares arranged in a mesmerizing geometric patterns. The intricate mosic features several decorative squares, the largest 2 rotated to resemble diamonds with the left containing a complex Solomon's knot motif with looped corners and the right with 4 cubes each displaying 5 pips resembling dice. Size of mosaic: 65.5" L x 27.1" W (166.4 cm x 68.8 cm)
In the Roman provinces of the ancient Near East and Levant, mosaics developed as a popular art form relatively late, with most finds coming from the 3rd century CE or later. Syria was one of Rome's wealthiest provinces, but it was also far removed from Rome itself and Roman culture was overlaid on enduring cultural traditions from Hellenistic Greece and the great civilizations that came before it. Antioch-on-the-Orontes (modern day Antakya, Turkey), was the capital of northern Roman Syria, and its excavations in the 1930s revealed more than three hundred mosaic pavements - of which many embellished public baths. Popular mosaic themes from this region were often mythological or religious scenes, depicting gods and goddesses; however, sometimes mosaics were created to fit the theme of a building or room.
Provenance: private Houston, Texas, USA collection; ex-private Houston, Texas, USA, collection, acquired before 2000
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#181809
Condition
All the mosaic tesserae are ancient and set in a modern matrix and metal frame. Some expected nicks to tesserae and some tiles are lost or repaired; however, the vast majority of the composition has survived. Chipping to peripheries of matrix and stable fissures in areas as shown. Nice preservation of decorative program.