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Books > Arts & Architecture > Art forms, treatments & subjects > Sculpture & other three-dimensional art forms > Modelling (in clay, wax & other plastic materials)
As the Roman Empire expanded its African settlements in the early
centuries of the common era, thousands of mosaic floor pavements
were fashioned to adorn the townhouses and rural estates of the
African upper classes. Between the second and sixth centuries,
mosaic art blossomed, particularly in Africa Proconsularis, the
region comprising modern Tunisia. In contrast to the official art
of imperial Rome, mosaics generally expressed the worldviews of
private citizens. These artworks are remarkable for the intricate
beauty of their polychromatic geometric and floral designs, as well
as for figural scenes depicting the interests and activities of the
patrons who commissioned them--scenes of daily life, athletic
contests, gladiator spectacles, and classical literature and
mythology.
Abundantly illustrated throughout, Tunisian Mosaics: Treasures
from Roman Africa offers the general reader a lively introduction
to this extraordinary ancient art. Initial chapters survey the
historical background of Roman Africa and discuss the development
of mosaic art in the Mediterranean. Subsequent chapters profile
Tunisia's major mosaic sites and tour the collections of important
museums. A final chapter surveys current initiatives to preserve
this heritage for future generations.
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