Chariot racing was one of the Roman Empire’s most popular and thrilling sports, and the grandeur of the chariot races of Rome was beyond compare. As many as 12 four-horse teams raced each other seven times around the mammoth Circus Maximus, which could hold an estimated 150,000 people. The popularity of chariot racing was manifested in various forms, including inscriptions, monuments, mosaics and paintings.
Almost every Roman citizen identified with a faction, either green, white, blue, or red. Our mosaic depicts a charioteer of the blue faction, which represented the elite class in the 3rd century, while the Roman populace supported the green. A nearly identical mosaic, which dates back to the same period and depicts a charioteer of the white faction, is housed in one of Rome’s most prestigious museums, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. Both their mosaic and ours would have been a cherished decorative item in a prestigious leader’s home or place of business, symbolizing their love for chariot racing and their devotion to a chosen faction.
This exquisite mosaic has been mounted to a marble base and set in a beautifully ornate iron table, likely created in the 19th century, transforming this one-of-a-kind antiquity into a stunning decorative piece.
Circa 3rd century CE
30 1/8″ high by 38 3/8″ wide by 38 3/4″ deep
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Dimensions:Height: 30.13 in (76.54 cm)Width: 38.38 in (97.49 cm)Depth: 38.75 in (98.43 cm)
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Style:Classical Roman(In the Style Of)
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Materials and Techniques:IronMarbleMosaic
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Place of Origin:Italy
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Period:15th Century and Earlier
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Date of Manufacture:Circa 3rd century CE
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Condition:ExcellentAdditions or alterations made to the original: This exquisite mosaic has been mounted to a marble base and set in a beautifully ornate iron table, likely created in the 19th century, transforming this one-of-a-kind antiquity into a stunning decorative piece.
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Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
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Reference Number:Seller: 31-6985Seller: LU891137806112
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