3-036-993 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Mosaic Floor with Animals (7), about A.D. 400. Additional Info: Elaborate patterns surround the central medallions of this mosaic, which depict birds pecking at foliage and a hare eating grapes. Four additional border pieces decorated with geometric designs (70.AH.96.2-.5) originally framed this panel of the mosaic. Excavated in 1938 just east of the ancient city of Antioch (present-day Antakya, Turkey), the mosaic decorated the floor of the entryway to the frigidarium (cold-water room) of a public bath. The building was also used as a place for gathering and entertainment. Although the bath was small in scale, its fine construction and lavish decoration attest to the wealth and taste of the prosperous landowners in the countryside surrounding Antioch.