Artwork Page for Ram near a Tree

Details / Information for Ram near a Tree

Ram near a Tree

400s

Byzantium, Northern Syria, Byzantine period, 5th century

Medium
marble tesserae
Measurements
Overall: 89.5 x 85.1 cm (35 1/4 x 33 1/2 in.); Mounted: 92.1 x 87 cm (36 1/4 x 34 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1969.113
Public Domain
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Location
105 Byzantine
Print

Description

The two mosaic fragments of an ibex and a ram (1969.114) once formed part of a much larger floor mosaic that decorated an early Byzantine church in northern Syria. Displayed upright in the museum context, these mosaic fragments were originally displayed flat, possibly flanking the church's altar to evoke a paradise setting. The mosaic fragment showing the Fall of Adam and Eve (1969.115) is likely to have formed part of the same floor.
A square mosaic of muted cream, tan, and charcoal marble tesserae features a central, profile-facing ram with dramatic, sweeping horns. Constructed from dark tiles, the creature stands amidst a field of pale squares. To its right, a stylized tree with serrated branches rises from the base. A jagged, dark border encases the scene, framing the ram's arched neck and thick-set body against the textured background.

Ram near a Tree

400s

Byzantium, Northern Syria, Byzantine period, 5th century

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