Roman mosaic of the IV-V centuries AD. Colored marble tesserae. Provenance: Phoenix Ancient Art. In perfect state of preservation. Measures: 110 x 290 cm. Roman mosaic of big dimensions, dated from the IV-V centuries A.D., representing a fierce animal ready to attack an equine. Both figures are inserted in a landscape insinuated by floral buds and a leafy tree full of fruit. The mosaic is a frequent type of representation on the floors of the main rooms of Roman villas. This example is a faithful reflection of the importance of this type of decoration in classical Rome. It is a piece of great delicacy in which the silver and amber colors give a clear sensation of volume in the bodies. The art of mosaic came to Rome from Greece, and soon became a whole industry, reaching heights of quality never seen before. It became so widespread that it became the main decoration of any Roman villa or house. In Rome, mosaics were built from small pieces called tesserae (hence the name "opus tessellatum"), cubic-shaped pieces of calcareous rocks, glass or ceramic, of different sizes. These tesserae were arranged on the surface to be decorated like a jigsaw puzzle, distributing the color and shape according to the design, and fixed with cement. The importance of mosaic manufacture is demonstrated by facts such as the facilities granted by Constantine to the mosaicists in 330 when he moved the capital from Byzantium, favoring the exodus of Greek and Roman masters to the new capital, thus laying the foundations of the famous Byzantine mosaic. Dimensions 110 x 290 cm.