Detail from Neptune and the Pirates (260 AD), mosaic from wealthy family’s villa at Thugga (Do
Detail from Neptune and the Pirates (260 AD), mosaic from wealthy family’s villa at Thugga (Dougga) (Arabic: دقة) an ancient Roman city in northern Tunisia. This work originates from the same peristyle as the Ulysses mosaic that I posted yesterday. It depicts the punishment of pirates on the Tyrrhenian Sea, merging themes linked to Dionysus and more common marine themes. The god is standing, ready to throw his spear. He is supported by a maenad, a satyr and aged Silenus, who is holding the ship’s rudder. A leopard is attacking one of the pirates, who are transformed into dolphins as soon as they recognize the divine nature of their adversary. To the left, genii have boarded another ship, while to the right, fishermen are attempting to catch an octopus with a net. Both works can nowadays be seen at the National Bardo Museum: http://www.bardomuseum.tn -- source link
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