Theatrical Masks
2nd century. Inv. No. S 392.Rome, Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Nuovo, Hall of the Doves

Theatrical Masks.

2nd century.
Inv. No. S 392.

Rome, Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Nuovo, Hall of the Doves
(Roma, Musei capitolini, Palazzo Nuovo, Sala delle colombe).

Origin:
Rome, Aventinus, near Church of Santa Prisca, 1824.
Donated by pope Leo XII.
Description:
The rendering of the Mosaic of theatrical masks, which in the 2nd century A.D. decorated an imperial building on the Aventine, is less accurate but still striking. The two “types” of the New Comedy — the young woman sad for the disasters that happened to her and the pensive and scornful slave — seem alive thanks to the skill of a mosaicist who gave much attention to the perspective values and play of light and shade.
Credits:
© 2000 Photo: Musei Capitolini. Comune di Roma. Electa, 2000, p. 57.
© 2001. Text: The Capitoline Museums. Short guide. Comune di Roma. Electa, 2004, p. 47.
Text (add.): inscription to mosaic.
Keywords: μωσαϊκό mosaic mosaics mosaica mosaici mosaik mosaïque ρώμη rome roman roma romano rom römisches romaine mosaico theatrical masks theatre theater comedy mask music musical instrument instruments flute aulos wreath from ivy and berry berries inv no s 392