Roman Tiger Mosaic Table

A rich composition of pink, cream, umber, and grey tesserae, this fragment of a late Roman mosaic looks as exquisite today as it did when it was laid in the 5th century. Masterfully designed to resemble painted brushstrokes, the mosaic depicts a prowling tiger, a powerful creature that would have been displayed at public arenas as an exotic attraction. Likely decorating the floor of a private villa, such mosaics were status symbols and would have been commissioned to tell a specific story or reflect the owner's interests. A beautiful example of Roman artistry, the mosaic has been elevated on a custom base to create a statement coffee or center table.