Roman, the Levant, late Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A spectacular mosaic comprised of square stone tesserae depicting three actors' masks rendered in a vibrant color scheme of beige, seafoam green, mauve, yellow ochre, gold, black, and white. Each visage presents dramatic character - the central face with its open mouth perhaps expressing surprise - the flanking pair representing zoomorphic creatures or grotesques with a more mysterious quality. All are finely modeled so as to provide a sense of three dimensionality and wonderful facial features framed by flowing locks. Providing further depth and bold emphasis are the concentric square frames surrounding each face in hues of white, black and green, yellow and gold, white and yellow, and finally black. Size: 1.5" L x 69.25" W x 23" H (3.8 cm x 175.9 cm x 58.4 cm); 1.5" L x 71.25" W x 25.25" H (3.8 cm x 181 cm x 64.1 cm) including cement matrix and black metal frame

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. As in Greece, masks played an important role in Roman theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing an example pushed up on his head.

In the Roman province of Syria, which encompassed most of the ancient Near East/Levant, mosaics seem to have developed as a common 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. This example may have been intended for a theatre. Romans appreciated all forms of entertainment and there were hundreds of playwrights in ancient Rome. Plays were performed to honor the gods during religious ceremonies, and since Rome had over 200 religious days of commemoration each year, plays were performed many days of the year.

Provenance: East Coast, USA collection from a major New York art gallery, before 2011

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#139209

This mosaic is in remarkable condition. There are chips and fissures to some tesserae, normal areas of encrustation, but very few losses. Set in modern matrix with metal frame.