You thought modern Art was modern ? Wait until you see those Roman mosaics from southern Spain.

The recurrence of decorative patterns through time is a phenomenon akin to the recurrence of themes in all Mythologies and dreams.

21st century present bags, Dothan, Alabama, USA.

Just back from a wonderful trip to study Roman mosaics around Seville in Spain. I found 2 small present paper bags on my desk…

small presents bags with ancient geometric patterns

I had purchased them to bring them with me to France and had forgotten them – with a few other things – before I left.

And suddenly it occurs to me !

I have seen these before

 

I have seen very similar patterns used in the mosaics I visited in Andalusia…

details of geometric patterns printed on paper bags

This pattern is described by Spanish Archaeologist as Flores Cuadrifolia – 4 Petals Flowers ( I feel Spanish sounds sexier than English by the way… How about you ?)

Casa del Mitra, Fuente de las Piedras, Cabra (Córdoba)

This mosaic paved the famous House of Mithra – Casa del Mitra –  located at Fuente de las Piedras, Cabra (Córdoba). It is dated late 3rd century , 4th century AD and it was excavated in 1972. The decorative pattern of the main panel “Cuadrifolios” – four petaled flowers – is made of black, white, sienna and red tesserae. This piece is presently displayed at the Archeological Museum of the town of Cabra

Roman Floor mosaic with checker board and 4 petals flowers pattern
Roman Floor mosaic, Cabra, Spain

 

Villa Romana “El Tesorillo” – Cortijo de tiena la Alta, Moclin, Granada, Spain

This one, in excellent state of preservation, was excavated in 1997 from a Villa in the modern town of Moclín. Dated, from the 2nd century AD, its decorative patterns  – Four petaled flowers decorated with bicolor squares in between –  is made of small black and white tesserae – 1cm – 3/8”. This mosaic can be seen today at the Comarcal center of interpretation of the town of Moclín.

Roman Villa mosaic floor with four petals flowers pattern
Roman Villa floor, Moclin, Spain

 

And so that’s it for today, I love this kind of things that beyond time connects us to our ancestors, and I wanted to share it with you.

recurrence of the same decorative pattern over 20 centuries
1 decorative pattern, 20 centuries…

 

I am presently working on building a library of Roman mosaic borders for use in Modern Mosaics. It will take me a while before I actually publish a full book, but I will share my progress with you. Stay in touch, I welcome your comments and suggestions !

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