Mosaic at the Met

Rather "old" news, but I'm a bit behind these days for good reason: new job and big move. Thankfully I will be moving closer to this new exhibition at the Met featuring a beautiful mosaic from Lod. As reported in the Wall Street Journal:

"In 1996, workers in Lod, Israel, were preparing to expand a road when they found something that turned out to be an artistic and archeological treasure: a Roman mosaic from about 300 A.D. Preserved just three feet below the modern surface, it was in nearly excellent condition.

On view beginning Tuesday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (through April 3), the mosaic—50 feet long by 27 feet wide—looks slightly larger than some Manhattan apartments. It is believed to have been used as an interior ground cover for an entrance hall at the home of a wealthy Roman, living in what would have been the eastern portion of the Roman Empire."

Being a mosaic buff myself, this work looks absolutely gorgeous and I hope I can see it in person sometime soon!

(Both images from Wall Street Journal)

Ever wonder how archaeologists and curators are able to transport mosaics? Likely in the same way ancient artists and craftsmen/women transported the mosaics from their workshops to be installed in the houses of the Roman aristocracy. What, you thought they worked inside rich people's houses for months or years to create these floors?

Watch this short video to learn all the details behind the discovery, transport, and conservation of this stunning mosaic from Lod. The video is featured on the Met's website courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority: