Object Description
A Byzantine marble floor panel displaying a geometric mosaic formed from tesserae produced from different stones. At the centre is a square with concave sides filled with green porphyry, speckled porphyry and multicoloured smaller squares which alternate. To the left is a circle filled with six triangles, all with concave sides, with a further four speckled porphyry triangles inside each. The circle is framed with a row of small yellow triangles facing outwards. A thick band encompasses the circle displaying a semi-circle loop which at the top becomes straight and projects out to the right, possibly resembling a crozier. The band is filled with two rows of alternating square and lozenge-shaped rectangles of green and speckled porphyry. This motif is flipped horizontally and vertically on the other side. However, the band consists of bright yellow lozenge-shaped rectangles in a row with smaller triangles on either side. The piece is mounted on a custom-made table formed from a metal stand. This panel displays similarities to the floors from important churches in Rome such as the Sistine Chapel.
The actual marble measures 60cm length, 36cm width.
Date: Circa 11th-13th century AD