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1132 - LARGE ROMAN GEOMETRIC MOSAIC Ca.

Estimate £15,000 - £30,000

Description

LARGE ROMAN GEOMETRIC MOSAIC Ca. AD 1 - 200. A rectangular polychrome mosaic arranged as a carpet-like grid of square compartments in ivory and pale blue-grey, divided by bands of charcoal, ochre, and terracotta tesserae. Small cruciform motifs occupy the centres, while chequered intersections reinforce the ordered rhythm. The alternating colours create a shallow coffered, almost three-dimensional effect characteristic of early Imperial geometric pavements. Narrow black and white fillets separate the central field from a broad outer border of variegated chequerwork. Constructed in *opus tessellatum*, the design combines closely laid regular courses with smaller tesserae for the motifs and dividing lines. The surface is extensively abraded and several tesserae are fractured, displaying wear consistent with considerable age and prolonged use, although such features alone cannot establish authenticity. The composition and much of its original polychromy remain clearly legible. For similar see: G. Calza, Excavation results, Un Mosaico di Ostia, 1912, fig. 1 -2. Size: 2060mm x 1420mm; Weight: g Provenance: Private London Collection, acquired on the Austrian Art Market; Ex Austrian Private Collection; Ex. US Art Market, New York (1987). This piece is accompanied by an Austrian export license. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

About the sale FINE ANCIENT ART AND ANTIQUITIES - THE PRINCE COLLECTION

Auction location

Auction time 10/04/2026 at 2:00 PM

Pictures credits:

Apollo Art Auctions Ltd