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THBRoman Stone Mosaic w/ Sea Creatures in Standing Frame
Lot 82
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$24,000 - $36,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Sep 26, 2019
Set Reminder
2019-09-26 10:00:00
2019-09-26 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Day 1: Antiquities & Asian Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-day-1-antiquities-asian-art-4437
Day 1 of an important 2-day auction featuring exceptional, museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Viking, Russian, Near Eastern, as well as Asian Art from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma and India. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Day 1 of an important 2-day auction featuring exceptional, museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Viking, Russian, Near Eastern, as well as Asian Art from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma and India. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (328)
- Lot Description
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 4th century CE. A large sea-themed mosaic panel, skillfully delineated with hundreds of square stone tesserae of black, grey, russet, and cream hues - making for a very tasteful palette. The composition features two slithering eels flanked by a crab and a sea sponge, and all of these sea creatures are beautifully modeled and surrounded by a lovely geometric border. Given the aquatic theme, this piece was likely located in a Roman formal dining room (triclinium). Extravagant feasts played an important role in ancient Roman society; however, some objected to such indulgences. Interestingly, Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE) enforced laws to put an end to gluttonous menus and excessive spending for such affairs. However, these laws could not stop the elite from enjoying lavish meals which oftentimes included delicacies from the sea! A wonderful mosaic section set in a modern matrix and a gorgeous gold-tone metal standing frame/mount. A stunning piece with fascinating provenance as well! Size: 42.625" W x 23.875" H (108.3 cm x 60.6 cm); 26" H (66 cm) on included custom stand.
In ancient Rome, fish was generally more coveted than other forms of 'meat'. According to scholar Deborah Ruscillo, "Eating well was not just a daily ritual, it was a philosophy and a way of life in Imperial Rome. Your reputation and acceptance in the upper echelons of society was often determined by your abilities as a generous host and as a connoisseur. " ("When Gluttony Ruled!" Archaeology - a publication of the Archaeological Institute of America, volume 54 number 6, November/December 2001)
The eels depicted on this mosaic are particularly intriguing. The Mediterranean moray was a potentially toxic eel that was regarded as a delicacy. Interestingly, these eels were sometimes kept as pets but also used in a form of punishment.
Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our most enduring images from the Roman world, exciting not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also because they reveal what Romans chose to depict and see every day decorating their private and public spaces. Aquatic and maritime subjects were popular in Greco-Roman art. One of my favorite examples is in the House of the Faun in Pompeii (end of 2nd century BCE, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples). Another from Piazza Armerina, room 22, depicts an entertaining scene of winged Erotes reeling in their catch (4th century CE).
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; ex-estate of Hope N. Efron (1919-2013), Washington DC and then by descent, acquired at Michel Dumez-Onof, London on July 1, 1971. Mrs. Efron worked as an economist at the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1939 to 1942. She was featured in the 2005 documentary "Government Girls of WWII," a locally produced film featuring stories from women who flocked to Washington in the 1940s to assist with the World War II effort. She received special commendations for her volunteer work with the American Councils for International Education and Youth for Understanding, both international student-exchange programs.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#149820Expected surface wear with minor losses, nicks, fissures, and abrasions to tesserae commensurate with age. Set in a modern plaster matrix within an attractive gold-toned metal standing frame/mount. The framing has a small fissure and a few indentations and stains, but is otherwise in excellent condition.Condition
- Shipping Info
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