The Conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic at Paphos, Cyprus

In 1988 the GCI and the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus
agreed to conserve an important floor mosaic excavated in 1984–1985 in Paphos,
Cyprus. The mosaic, which depicts Orpheus and the Beasts together in a single
panel, is representative of an iconographic tradition common throughout the
Mediterranean Basin. It is unusual, however, in that Orpheus is shown with his
arm outstretched, and is further distinguished by an inscription naming the
person who commissioned the work, a feature not present in any other Roman
mosaic in Cyprus.



Although the mosaic was in generally good condition when excavated, root damage
had dislodged much of the tessellatum from its setting-bed and also had created
several large lacunae. Subsidence caused by partial support of the mosaic on an
underlying wall became more pronounced after excavation, and cracking appeared.
For this reason, the mosaic was lifted, provided with a new support, and
replaced in situ. The decision was made to lift the tesellatum by rolling it
onto a drum rather than by cutting it into smaller sections, respecting the
single pictorial composition of the work. The project included training in this
relatively unusual technique for conservators from the region.



The Conservation of the Orpheus Mosaic at
Paphos, Cyprus, chronicles each element of the project, including
the evaluation, documentation, detachment, reinstallation, and cleaning of the
mosaic. It includes a clearly illustrated, step-by-step discussion of the
procedures used to roll the mosaic and to install its new support system of
fiberglass and aluminum. Environmental monitoring, analysis of tesserae
samples, and the development and evaluation of a protective shelter are also
covered, along with historical and iconographic material on this remarkable
mosaic.