SUBJECT

SUBJECT

Identification

Palace of Diocletian, Split – Geometric decoration with outlined lattice-pattern of adjacent hexagons and lozenges

Iconographic description

Geometric decoration, black and white, with outlined lattice-pattern of adjacent hexagons and lozenges (creating the effect of adjacent and intersecting large irregular hexagons) (BALMELLE 1985, Le decor geometrique de la mosaique, tav. 213, a). The mosaic carpets are surrounded by a white frame consisting of tesserae laid parallel to the walls. In the north carpet the central design consisting of hexagons and lozenges on white background is bordered by four rows of black tesserae. Hexagons have tesserae of three colors, and the smaller lozenges are monochrome. The west panel with guilloche interlace pattern and the south panel with labrys pattern are bordered by a multicolored checkered pattern.