caesar novus Posted December 3, 2008 Report Share Posted December 3, 2008 I wonder whether Roman floor mosaics had symbolic meaning or was essentially decorative. I mean besides the banal "celebration of X" when you see picture of X, but something more philosophical or political such as you might find in renaissance art. For some reason the braided border lines jump out to me as more intricate than needed for decorative whimsey. Of course I know their swastikas don't relate to 20th century meanings. Some of the mosaics seem almost ugly but still riveting somehow. Maybe some are a carryover or a contrast to other traditions like the Greek. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost_Warrior Posted December 3, 2008 Report Share Posted December 3, 2008 I think most of them that had meaning were religious in nature. Then there were the floor mosaics in the bath houses (and I believe, some private villas) with amusing pictures of well-endowed slaves. They were intended to dispel negativity (which they did, quite well, by inducing laughter.) The phallus was seen as a symbol of fortune because it...rose of it's own accord. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klingan Posted December 5, 2008 Report Share Posted December 5, 2008 I wonder whether Roman floor mosaics had symbolic meaning or was essentially decorative. I mean besides the banal "celebration of X" when you see picture of X, but something more philosophical or political such as you might find in renaissance art. I would say that it was essentially decorative, commonly with religious or daily motifs. A special meaning though? I wouldn't think so. The art I have in my room doesn't go very well with my religious views, it's purchased because I find it beautiful. The phallus was seen as a symbol of fortune because it...rose of it's own accord. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm quite sure that the phallus was seen as a protection of the evil eye? There's a lot of literature on that subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost_Warrior Posted December 5, 2008 Report Share Posted December 5, 2008 Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm quite sure that the phallus was seen as a protection of the evil eye? There's a lot of literature on that subject. I believe you're right about that. Though I know I've seen it equated(?) with fortune as well. Perhaps it had two meanings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klingan Posted December 5, 2008 Report Share Posted December 5, 2008 I believe you're right about that. Though I know I've seen it equated(?) with fortune as well. Perhaps it had two meanings? Well good fortune and protection against evil would make sense to go hand in hand I guess. Sounds very much possible to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Neil Posted December 6, 2008 Report Share Posted December 6, 2008 Some floor mosaics undoubtedly had meaning. Here is one of several in Pompeii, where the meaning was even written underneath in latin: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klingan Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Some floor mosaics undoubtedly had meaning. Here is one of several in Pompeii, where the meaning was even written underneath in latin: Very true, I've got a photo of that mosaic in my album from my trip to Pompeii this summer. I would still argue though that most mosaics were made to be decorative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Yes, they had meaning, but the exact meaning depends on the mosaic. The works of John R. Clarke explore the social contexts of Roman art; I highly recommend his works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.