Il segno e il mito nei mosaici della provincia di Pesaro e Urbino

Often it is difficult or perhaps impossible to outline the precise chronological evolution of mosaic art and it is even more complex to outline the development of this artistic technique in the Marche region of Italy which was already a Roman imperium during the Republican era and saw a notable "blossom" of urban areas and monuments during the Augustea era and the centuries of the Roman Empire. At this point in time, archaeologists have documented very few intact remains of mosaic pavements dating before the Ist century BC. Most are fragments or parts of decorated opus signinum flooring (in Pesaro, Fano and Urbino) because it was considered less valuable than the tessellated, mosaic pavements. Terracotta pavements are more frequent because they were usually general floors without a specific purpose while brick floorings arranged in a herringbone pattern were used in open areas especially in rural districts (there are numerous out of context findings all over the Province). Mosaics on a simple white background with black borders (Pesaro and Fano) are characteristic of the sobriety of the Republican era of the Ist century although, there are many elegant pavements of simple geometric designs that seem to be a constant theme during the Ist century BC. Diamond and star motifs were very popular from the st century onwards including all the numerous variations which can be found when the motifs are inserted in different combinations throughout the design or as an emblem in the centre of the pavement. From the end of the Republican era onwards, sometimes a central decoration is inserted on the white tessellated background. This mosaic square contains a circle completely covered by a rosette of complex elements radiating in a decreasing manner towards the centre. The panels of images were often polychromatic and probably were part of a larger scheme of images related to: the personality of the owner, function of the room, socio-cultural themes or current trends. Therefore, it is difficult to interpret mosaics that have been found out of context. In the 2nd century AD, the Adrianea and Antoninina era, we witness the blossom of mythological themes and iconography of the seasons. Figure emblems are found in compositions with basic. or elegant schemes. In general we should take into account, the diffusion of stencils and the presence of local artisans when considering the "phases" of growth of the ville, domus and other buildings. The context and surroundings of a mosaic discovery are vital to studying and accurately dating it. Where possible, it is the Archaeologists and other experienced experts who carefully work on this interesting and valuable artistic patrimony.