Originally offered at $8,000...

Roman, late Imperial Period, Eastern Empire, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A mesmerizing mosaic depicting a fantastic geometric pattern expertly delineated in hundreds of hand-cut stone and glass tesserae. Boasting hues of steel blue, citron, coral, light blue, and almond, the decorative program consists of nested, concentric squares arranged in a matrix of 3 by 4. Resembling an elaborate carpet, mosaics featuring 2-dimensional decoration of repeated, geometric patterns like this example were largely popular in the Eastern Empire. Size of mosaic: 27.9" W x 36.2" H (70.9 cm x 91.9 cm); of mount: 28.1" W x 36.3" H (71.4 cm x 92.2 cm)

Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our enduring images from the Roman world, 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. This example is abstract in its intention and presents the ancients' keen eye for design and fascination with geometry. In the Roman province of Syria, which encompassed most of the ancient Near East/Levant, mosaics seem to have 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. For example, 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. 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: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#146548

Expected surface wear with minor losses, nicks, fissures, recessions, and abrasions to tesserae commensurate with age. Set in a modern plaster matrix with a metal frame. Wonderful preservation of decorative program and vibrant colors.