Mosaic basilicas
Date:
Fifth century
Medium:
Terra-cotta,
Stone
Dimensions:
Basilica with towers, 117.5 × 76 cm
Description:
These isolated fragments of two mosaic pavements depict Christian basilicas. They can be dated to the later fifth century on stylistic grounds, but their place of origin is unknown; they can only be assigned broadly to the eastern Mediterranean region. Shown in a flattened perspective, both churches have a tall nave, lower side aisles, and one or more crosses on the roof. The doors and windows are hung with curtains that have been knotted to facilitate passage (compare with Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. One basilica has two towers at the end, presumably flanking the west entrance. Such towers became common in church architecture only much later, as at the ninth-century Corvey westwork. The other basilica has its side aisle cut away, revealing some of the interior decoration. Both mosaics are now in the Louvre Museum.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
2
Repository and Online Resources:
• See the basilica mosaics on the website of the Musée du Louvre.
• See the basilica mosaics on the website of the Musée du Louvre.
Image Credits:
Linda Safran; Wikimedia Commons
