Artwork Page for Fragment of a Floor Mosaic: Ibex near a Tree

Details / Information for Fragment of a Floor Mosaic: Ibex near a Tree

Fragment of a Floor Mosaic: Ibex near a Tree

400s

Byzantium, Northern Syria, Byzantine period, 5th century

Medium
marble tesserae
Measurements
Overall: 85.1 x 94.6 cm (33 1/2 x 37 1/4 in.); Mounted: 87.6 x 96.5 cm (34 1/2 x 38 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1969.114
Public Domain
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Location
105 Byzantine
Print

Description

The two mosaic fragments of an ibex and a ram (1969.113) 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 marble tesserae mosaic depicts a tan and dark gray ibex standing beside a tree. Set within a dark border, the ibex faces our right with long, curved horns extending backward. To our left, a tree with a tan trunk and dark gray foliage reaches toward the center. Small square stones form the scene against a pale tan ground. A portion of the bottom right corner is missing.

Fragment of a Floor Mosaic: Ibex near a Tree

400s

Byzantium, Northern Syria, Byzantine period, 5th century

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