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Learn MoreRoman Empire Opus Sectile Table
- This exceptionally rare opus sectile table top hails from the Roman Empire
- The inlaid hardstones hail from Turkey, North Africa, Spain and beyond
- Artisans utilized an ancient and rare pietre dure technique called opus sectile
- The table top is on later bases modeled after the Trapezophoros
- Get complete item description here
$368,500
Item No.
31-6982
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Description
This exceptionally important Roman Empire pavement forming this table's top would have lined the walkways of only the most important buildings. Using a rare and ancient form of pietre dure known opus sectile, each hardstone would have been precisely measured and inlaid by artisans to create the resulting geometric pattern. Highly expensive and labor intensive, monumental opus sectile pavements such as this were reserved for the grand entrances of only the most significant public buildings,. . .
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This exceptionally important Roman Empire pavement forming this table's top would have lined the walkways of only the most important buildings. Using a rare and ancient form of pietre dure known opus sectile, each hardstone would have been precisely measured and inlaid by artisans to create the resulting geometric pattern. Highly expensive and labor intensive, monumental opus sectile pavements such as this were reserved for the grand entrances of only the most significant public buildings, like the Curia of the Roman Senate, the Arch of Septimius Severus or the foyer of a highly important temple. The floor rests on 19th-century carved marble statues inspired by the Trapezophoros statues now housed in the Vatican Museum, forming the perfect indoor or outdoor table.
The 3rd-century pavement incorporates a mosaic of hardstones from the full extent of the Roman Empire’s dominion, from Turkey to Egypt and Numidia (Algeria) in North Africa, and from Spain to Greece and Italy. More than a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, Rome’s ability to source vast quantities of precious hardstones from giallo antico to breccia corallina emphasizes their expansive Imperial power and dominance across the Mediterranean. The iconic colors and patterns were emulated throughout the medieval period and beyond. Rome's exceptional opus sectile flooring later influenced the iconic inlaid floors of the medieval period and beyond, including the famed St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Comparable 3rd-century Roman mosaics are held in the prestigious collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London and the Canterbury Roman Museum in Kent.
Table top: 3rd century
Base: 19th century
30 1/8" high x 94 1/2" wide x 47 1/8" deep
Download the key to view all labeled hardstones
The 3rd-century pavement incorporates a mosaic of hardstones from the full extent of the Roman Empire’s dominion, from Turkey to Egypt and Numidia (Algeria) in North Africa, and from Spain to Greece and Italy. More than a testament to exquisite craftsmanship, Rome’s ability to source vast quantities of precious hardstones from giallo antico to breccia corallina emphasizes their expansive Imperial power and dominance across the Mediterranean. The iconic colors and patterns were emulated throughout the medieval period and beyond. Rome's exceptional opus sectile flooring later influenced the iconic inlaid floors of the medieval period and beyond, including the famed St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Comparable 3rd-century Roman mosaics are held in the prestigious collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London and the Canterbury Roman Museum in Kent.
Table top: 3rd century
Base: 19th century
30 1/8" high x 94 1/2" wide x 47 1/8" deep
Download the key to view all labeled hardstones
Read less
Specifications
| Period: | Pre-17th Century |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Dining Tables |
| Depth: | 47.13 |
| Width: | 94.5 |
| Height: | 30.13 |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
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