The Centauro marino mosaic (sea centaur mosaic) is a type of Roman floor or wall mosaic that often depicts scenes from mythology and maritime themes. During the period of Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD), this type of mosaic art flourished, partly due to the influence of Greco-Hellenistic culture and the empire's prosperity.
Sea centaurs are mythical creatures with the upper body of a man (sometimes also female) and the lower body of a fish or a dolphin. They are related to the classical centaurs (horse-man) but adapted to maritime contexts.
They symbolise power over the sea, harmony between man and nature, or the cosmopolitan nature of the Roman Empire.
The mosaics reflect both the artistic and technical feats of Roman decorative art in the second century.
Under Hadrian, an emperor with strong ties to Greek culture, classical mythology received a revival in art.
Mosaics express not only aesthetics, but also philosophical and cultural ideas about nature, the cosmos and imperial authority.
This is from around Cadiz in Andalusia
After closing my gallery in Antwerp, I ended up at Werk Aan De Muur where I found the opportunity to share all the beauty that has passed through my hands through this way. Furthermore, I also have the permission of some artists I have been working with for.. Read more…