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Roman Cosmatesque Hardstone Table
- This extraordinary table is formed from a 12th-century Cosmatesque pavement
- Each fragment carries the legacy of antiquity, salvaged by medieval craftsmen from Roman ruins
- The mosaic was almost certainly created for a church, palace or noble residence
- Monumental Cosmatesque works rarely leave their original architectural settings
- Get complete item description here
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12th Century
A breathtaking relic of the High Middle Ages, this extraordinary Cosmatesque hardstone and marble table represents a rare fusion of ancient Roman grandeur and medieval Italian artistry, surviving intact for nearly 900 years. Almost certainly created for a church, palace or noble residence during the 12th century, the tabletop is composed of precious ancient Roman hardstones arranged in an intricate geometric mosaic. Monumental Cosmatesque works rarely. . .
12th Century
A breathtaking relic of the High Middle Ages, this extraordinary Cosmatesque hardstone and marble table represents a rare fusion of ancient Roman grandeur and medieval Italian artistry, surviving intact for nearly 900 years. Almost certainly created for a church, palace or noble residence during the 12th century, the tabletop is composed of precious ancient Roman hardstones arranged in an intricate geometric mosaic. Monumental Cosmatesque works rarely leave their original architectural settings, making this table an exceptionally rare example of one of the Middle Ages’ most celebrated decorative arts.
Brilliantly colored porphyry, serpentine and other prized Roman hardstones form the dazzling opus sectile mosaic. Each fragment carries the legacy of antiquity, salvaged by medieval craftsmen from the ruins of ancient Rome and originally quarried across the vast Roman Empire. By the High Middle Ages, many of these quarries had been exhausted or lost, making the stones precious remnants of the ancient world. The richly patterned design exemplifies the coveted Cosmatesque style, named for the celebrated Cosmati family of Roman craftsmen, whose work adorned the churches and palaces of popes, kings and noble patrons.
The Cosmati workshops transformed fragments of ancient monuments into some of Europe’s most magnificent pavements, altars and furnishings. Their distinctive geometric compositions became synonymous with the finest ecclesiastical commissions of medieval Italy. Perhaps the most famous surviving example is the Cosmatesque pavement of Westminster Abbey, installed in 1268 beneath the Coronation Chair and used in royal coronations for more than seven centuries.
The tabletop is now set upon a handsome marble base, dating to the 17th or 18th century. The survival of such an important composition in table form is exceptionally rare, offering collectors a museum-worthy work that bridges classical antiquity and medieval Europe.
31 1/4" high x 46" wide x 47 1/4" deep
| Period: | Pre-17th Century |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Dining Tables |
| Depth: | 47.25 in. (120.02 cm) |
| Width: | 46.0 in. (116.84 cm) |
| Height: | 31.25 in. (79.38 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
