Mosaic with a Peacock and Flowers

Unknown

3rd–4th century · Tesserae mounted in metal frame · Medieval Art

This mosaic, probably part of a much larger floor mosaic, shows a peacock among flowers. The peacock was a popular subject for Roman and Byzantine artists, often used to represent paradise, renewal, and spring. Byzantines might have thought the peacock an appropriate symbol for the season, because its elaborate feathers grew each spring. Associating the peacock with heavenly paradise was an extension of the Byzantine vision of earthly paradise—many wealthy citizens were known to have kept peacocks to roam about the flowers and trees of their gardens.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–4th century

Medium

Tesserae mounted in metal frame

Culture

Roman or Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Kirkor Minassian, 1926