Spectacle and Display: A Modern History of Britain's Roman Mosaic Pavements

Michael Dawson

ISBN 10: 1789698316 / ISBN 13: 9781789698312

Published by Archaeopress Mai 2021, 2021

About this Item

Neuware - Antiquarian interest in the Roman period mosaics of Britain began in the 16th century. This book is the first to explore responses and attitudes to mosaics, not just at the point of discovery but during their subsequent history. It is a field which has received scant attention and provides a compelling insight into the agency of thes.

Seller Inventory # 9781789698312

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Spectacle and Display: A Modern History of Britain's Roman Mosaic Pavements
• Publisher: Archaeopress Mai 2021
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1789698316
• ISBN 13: 9781789698312
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 252W x 176H x 16D millimeters 252 millimeters width by 176 millimeters height by 16 millimeters depth
• Weight: 690 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Spectacle and Display: A Modern History of Britain's Roman Mosaic Pavements is the first narrative to explore responses and attitudes to mosaics, not just at the point of discovery but during their subsequent history. It is a field which has received scant attention in the literature and provides a compelling insight into the agency of these spectacular remains. Analysis shows how mosaics have influenced and have been instrumental in the commodification of the past, the development of conservation practice and promoting the rise of the archaeologist. 'The most spectacular remains of Roman Britain' is a familiar description applied to the discovery of mosaics floors. They are exceptional symbols of Roman life in the province of Britannia and each new discovery is eagerly reported in the press. Yet one estimate suggested that 75% of all known mosaics from Britain have been lost, and they are commonly displayed out of context, wall mounted as artwork in museums and exhibitions and far from their role as floors. This is a contested narrative in which spectacle and survival, conservation and fine art, ownership and curation provide the discourse and texts of contemporary attitudes.