Mosaic 16

In the Roman world at large the Orpheus mosaics give a sumptuous display of some 90 different ferocious beasts, whose natural and mythical characteristics are discussed along with the artistic quality of the representations and their apotropaic function. In Britain the lion, leopard, peacock, and griffon figure most often.

Wollaston (1801-65) published an important work on Roman baths, little known because in limited edition; but his drawings survive at the Victoria & Albert Museum and include 77 for Britain, which need proper study and evaluation. A list is provided.