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Hinton St Mary mosaic. Background information. 4 th century Discovered in a villa at Hinton St Mary which is a village in Dorset Most of it is now in storage in the British museum Covered two rooms . Details of the main image. Circular Man in a white “ pallium ” ( woolen cloak)
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Background information • 4th century • Discovered in a villa at Hinton St Mary which is a village in Dorset • Most of it is now in storage in the British museum • Covered two rooms
Details of the main image • Circular • Man in a white “pallium” (woolen cloak) • Christian Chi Rho symbol • Flanked by 2 pomegranates • It is assumed the figure is most likely to be of Christ • However some suggest it is of Constantine as the Chi Rho symbol was often used on his Labarum (Military standard)
Remainder of the mosaic • 4 Lunettes • 3 are hunting based, showing deer and dogs • 1 is of a forest scene • Each corner contains a quarter circle portrait bust, which symbolises either the seasons or the winds. • Detailed rope-like pattern separating each section • There is a smaller mosaic in a conjoining room which contained pagan characters and ones from Roman mythology
Importance • One of the oldest surviving depictions of Christ • Very surprising to see a mosaic of Christ on the floor, as most believed it disrespectful to walk or spill food or drink on him. • The combination of both Christian and Pagan images shows the changes that took place during and after the rule of Constantine, and was common during this period.
