| | Fragment of a mosaic floor that bears a witness to the high artistic standard of the mosaic craftsmanship in Alexandria, especially these made for the Ptolemaic royal court during the Hellenistic period.
The central part is in the form of a circle, surrounding a rare representation of a dog beside an inverted bronze Greek vessel (askos). The details of the scene and the reflection of light on the metal (bronze) are rendered with great artistic skill.
The dog’s features are crafted with realism and delicate details. This artistic style is called “opus vermiculum”. The word mosaic is derived from Greek. It describes the decoration formed by placing together small pieces of glass, stone, and other objects of different colors on plaster or cement. The decorative motifs are geometrical, floral, animal and human figures.
This art appeared in the Mediterranean region. |
