About this artwork
Fish was a luxury food among the Romans. Mosaics depicting marine life were especially popular in and around Antioch (near modern Antakya, Turkey), an ancient city located on the Orontes River that was known for the beauty of its waters. This mosaic, which was discovered in a house in Daphne (modern Harbiye), a prosperous garden town near Antioch, depicts several species of fish and shellfish. The representation of these sea creatures was likely intended to convey a message about the owner’s wealth as well as the variety of food available in the home.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 152
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Roman
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Title
- Mosaic Floor Panel Depicting Marine Life
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Place
- Antioch (Object found in)
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Date
- 200 CE–230 CE
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Medium
- Stone and mortar
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Dimensions
- 39.4 × 85.7 × 6.4 cm (15 1/2 × 33 3/4 × 2 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. Henry J. Patten
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Reference Number
- 1937.48
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/23276/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
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