Roman Mosaics Across the Empire

Getty Museum, LA

NOW CLOSED

Mosaic of a Lion Attacking an Onager (late 2nd century), Unknown. Image courtesy of The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California

In ancient times, mosaics decorated luxurious homes and public buildings across the Roman Empire. Intricate patterns and figural scenes were created by setting small pieces of stone or glass, called tesserae, into floors and walls. Introduced by itinerant craftsmen, mosaic techniques and designs spread widely, leading to variety of regional styles. Read more.

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Mosaic Floor from Villelaure with Diana and Callisto Surrounded by Hunt Scenes (3rd century), Unknown. Image courtesy of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Phil Berg Collection, www.lacma.org

Mosaic Fragment with Peacock Facing Left (5th – 6th century), Unknown. Image courtesy of The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, Gift of William Wahler

Mosaic Floor Panel (4th century), Unknown. Image courtesy of The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California

Mosaic Floor with Combat Between Dares and Entellus (about 175), Unknown. Image courtesy of The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California

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