The image of Orpheus in Roman mosaic: An exploration of the figure of Orpheus in Graeco-Roman culture with special reference to its expression in the medium of mosaic in late antiquity
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Jesnick, Ilona Julia. 1992. The image of Orpheus in Roman mosaic: An exploration of the figure of Orpheus in Graeco-Roman culture with special reference to its expression in the medium of mosaic in late antiquity. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]
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Text (The image of Orpheus in Roman mosaic)
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Text (The image of Orpheus in Roman mosaic)
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Abstract or Description
An exploration of the place in Graeco-Roman culture of the image of Orpheus, real and conceptual, with emphasis on the depiction in Roman mosaic, a phenomenon of late antiquity. Part One explores the figure of Orpheus in art, literature and religion to provide a wider context for the mosaic image, a new approach. A review of all artefacts depicting Orpheus, from the sixth century BC to the fifth AD focusses on the development of the animal-charming scene, the only one in mosaic, to reveal visual and symbolic themes. Poetic treatments of the episode provide literary background, as do texts witnessing to the pervasive presence of Orpheus in the antique imagination. The place accorded him in Christian art and thought reflects his importance in Greek religion. The relationship between Orpheus, gods and heroes, which governs his iconography, is set out. The in-depth investigation of Part Two, the pictorial and iconographic structure of the 89 mosaics, proceeds from this context. Parameters for the genre ‘Orpheus in mosaic’ are established. Problems of representation, the illusionist or decorative solutions, are examined. Style and repertories, explored in detail, display affinities which reveal routes of dissemination of eastern imagery and craftsmen. The iconography of Orpheus himself aids such identification, costume type telling whether the figure belongs in a religious or secular context. The animals, significant in the culture, with an imagery which extends the relevance of the Orpheus motif, are newly accorded a discussion of their own. Pendent imagery, previously ignored, is here seen as an important adjunct to the message of the depiction. Its consistent patterns point to the life and death symbolism of Orpheus. Information from inscriptions and locations further elucidates the function and interpretation of these mosaics. In conclusion Orpheus in mosaic, a popular, almost mundane image, is found to be one with profound cultural import. Appendix I is a critique of cataloguing; appendix II is the extended catalogue of Orpheus mosaics accompanying this work. Extensively illustrated, the line drawings are integral to the argument.
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Item Type: |
Thesis (Doctoral) |
| Identification Number (DOI): |
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| Keywords: |
Graeco-Roman culture, Orpheus, Roman mosaic, Greek religion, iconography, symbolism |
| Date: |
April 1992 |
| Item ID: |
33803 |
| Date Deposited: |
18 Jul 2023 15:58 |
| Last Modified: |
08 Aug 2023 13:16 |
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URI: |
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