The Lod Mosaics at the Met

Whatever else you might say about the desert, it does an excellent job of preserving artifacts from antiquity. Currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's spectacular Greek and Roman Galleries are three mosaic floors, likely laid in 300, when the Romans ruled what is now Lod, Israel.

Mythical creatures mingle with actual animals in an interlocking pattern of geometric shapes. Elsewhere ships sail among fish. At first glance, the animals look cartoonish, stilted and slightly silly. But consider this: many of the animals depicted weren't native to the area. So, how did the craftspeople make their artistic decisions? First-hand knowledge, having perhaps seen such animals in Rome or elsewhere? Second-hand knowledge, via discussion or reading? A combination? Sure, the mosaics are wonderful to look at, but we especially value how the art raises questions about the transformation of imagination and transmission of knowledge way back when.    

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