Byzantine mosaic

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Byzantine mosaic

The AUB Museum conserves a byzantine mosaic (Inv.# 82.86) that depicts a peacock’s profile to the right, with a red tail and black “eyes”.

This special bird has a very important place since the antiquities, not only as a decorative motif, but also as a distinctive emblematic sign and symbolic functions.

In Greek mythology, the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus, created the Peacock from the hundred-eyed giant Argus (her faithful watchman). When Argus was killed by Hermes at Zeus request, Hera mourned his death and preserved forever his eyes on the peacock’s tail, as a lasting tribute of her gratitude for his loyalty and service.

Peacocks are often used to represent paradise (Garden of Eden), renewal and spring, it symbolizes victory over death, apotheosis and immortality.

Christian art preserved the philosophy of death and belief in the afterlife, artistic themes have then been modified to this aspect of death.

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14)

Byzantine mosaic: Inv.# 82.86; 26 x 65 cm

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