Mosaic with a Peacock and Flowers

3rd–4th century
Not on view
This mosaic, probably part of a much larger floor mosaic, shows a peacock among flowers. The peacock was a popular subject for Roman and Byzantine artists, often used to represent paradise, renewal, and spring. Byzantines might have thought the peacock an appropriate symbol for the season, because its elaborate feathers grew each spring. Associating the peacock with heavenly paradise was an extension of the Byzantine vision of earthly paradise—many wealthy citizens were known to have kept peacocks to roam about the flowers and trees of their gardens.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mosaic with a Peacock and Flowers
  • Date: 3rd–4th century
  • Geography: Made in probably North Africa
  • Culture: Roman or Byzantine
  • Medium: Tesserae mounted in metal frame
  • Dimensions: Overall: 19 5/16 x 22 11/16 x 1 3/16 in. (49 x 57.7 x 3 cm)
  • Classification: Mosaics
  • Credit Line: Gift of Kirkor Minassian, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.68
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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