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The Alexander Mosaic is also commonly referred to as the Battle of Gaugamela Mosaic, depicting a key victory for Alexander the Great.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic is traditionally known as the Battle of Issus Mosaic, depicting Alexander's victory over Darius III at Issus, not Gaugamela, which occurred two years later.
Measuring approximately 8 feet 11 inches by 16 feet 8 inches, the Alexander Mosaic is considered a large artwork.
Answer: True
The Alexander Mosaic measures 272 cm by 513 cm (approximately 8 feet 11 inches by 16 feet 8 inches), confirming its substantial size as an artwork.
The Alexander Mosaic combines only Hellenistic and Roman artistic traditions, excluding Italic styles.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic integrates Italic, Hellenistic, and Roman artistic traditions, demonstrating a broader blend of cultural influences than just Hellenistic and Roman styles.
The mosaic traditionally depicts the Battle of Issus, where Alexander of Macedonia defeated the Persian king Darius III.
Answer: True
The Alexander Mosaic is widely recognized as depicting the Battle of Issus, a pivotal conflict in which Alexander the Great's Macedonian forces triumphed over the Persian army led by Darius III.
The battle scene in the Alexander Mosaic features over 100 men and is known for its vibrant, contrasting colors.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic's battle scene features over 50 men, not over 100, and is characterized by its use of muted colors, rather than vibrant and contrasting ones.
Alexander the Great is depicted in the mosaic wearing a helmet and a bronze breastplate, riding his horse Bucephalus.
Answer: False
Alexander the Great is depicted in the mosaic without a helmet and wearing a linen breastplate (linothorax), not a bronze one, while riding his horse Bucephalus.
Darius III is shown in the mosaic with a calm expression, holding a sword, while his brother Oxyathres attempts to save him.
Answer: False
Darius III's face in the mosaic conveys visible fear and anxiety, not calmness, and he is depicted holding a bow, not a sword, while his brother Oxyathres attempts to save him.
The Alexander Mosaic uses radical foreshortening and shading to create a naturalistic effect and convey the chaos of battle.
Answer: True
The Alexander Mosaic effectively utilizes radical foreshortening and shading to achieve a naturalistic effect and vividly portray the chaos and dynamism of the battle scene.
The Alexander Mosaic is composed of approximately 4 million large, irregularly shaped stones, using a technique called opus sectile.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic is composed of approximately one and a half million tiny tesserae, not 4 million large stones, and employs the opus vermiculatum technique, not opus sectile.
The color scale for Roman mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, was limited to only primary colors due to material availability.
Answer: False
The color scale of Roman mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, was noted for its richness in gradation, utilizing a range of naturally occurring marble pieces beyond just primary colors.
The Alexander Mosaic exhibits realism and naturalism in its portrayal of humans, similar to Greek paintings.
Answer: True
Consistent with Greek artistic principles, the Alexander Mosaic demonstrates a strong emphasis on realism and naturalism in its depiction of human figures, including their facial expressions, emotional states, and anatomical accuracy.
A linothorax, as worn by Alexander in the mosaic, is a type of bronze breastplate.
Answer: False
A linothorax, as depicted on Alexander in the mosaic, is a type of linen breastplate, not a bronze one, made from layers of glued or stitched linen.
What is the primary subject depicted in the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: The Battle of Issus
The Alexander Mosaic is primarily known for depicting the Battle of Issus, a significant conflict between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia.
What are the approximate dimensions of the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: 8 feet 11 inches by 16 feet 8 inches
The Alexander Mosaic measures approximately 8 feet 11 inches by 16 feet 8 inches (272 cm by 513 cm).
The Alexander Mosaic is a blend of which artistic traditions?
Answer: Italic, Hellenistic, and Roman
The Alexander Mosaic synthesizes Italic, Hellenistic, and Roman artistic traditions, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of its period.
How is Alexander the Great depicted in the mosaic regarding his headwear?
Answer: Without a helmet
Alexander the Great is notably depicted in the mosaic without a helmet, contrasting with typical battle attire.
What is the specific detail on Alexander's linothorax in the mosaic?
Answer: The head of Medusa
Alexander's linothorax in the mosaic is specifically adorned with the head of Medusa, a traditional emblem of the goddess Athena.
What emotion is visibly portrayed on Darius III's face in the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: Fear and anxiety
Darius III's facial expression in the Alexander Mosaic clearly conveys visible fear and anxiety, marked by furrowed brows and a deep frown.
Which artistic technique is prominently used in the Alexander Mosaic to enhance its naturalistic effect, particularly seen in the central horse?
Answer: Foreshortening
Foreshortening is a prominent artistic technique in the Alexander Mosaic, notably applied to the central horse, to create a naturalistic and dynamic visual effect.
Approximately how many tiny colored tiles (tesserae) compose the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: One and a half million
The Alexander Mosaic is composed of approximately one and a half million tiny colored tesserae, meticulously arranged to form the artwork.
What was the primary basis for the available colors in Roman mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: Naturally occurring marble pieces
The color palette for Roman mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, was primarily derived from the naturally occurring pieces of marble available.
What characteristic of the Alexander Mosaic is similar to Greek paintings in its portrayal of humans?
Answer: Its emphasis on realism and naturalism
The Alexander Mosaic shares with Greek paintings a strong emphasis on realism and naturalism in its depiction of human figures, including their emotional expressions and anatomical accuracy.
What is a 'linothorax' as worn by Alexander in the mosaic?
Answer: A linen breastplate
A linothorax, worn by Alexander in the mosaic, refers to a type of ancient armor consisting of a linen breastplate.
What is the approximate width of the individual tesserae used in the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: 2.0 mm
The individual tesserae comprising the Alexander Mosaic are approximately 2.0 mm in width, contributing to the mosaic's fine detail.
Which of the following is NOT a general artistic characteristic of the Alexander Mosaic's battle scene?
Answer: Use of vibrant, contrasting colors
The Alexander Mosaic's battle scene is characterized by its use of muted colors, meticulous detail, and expert portrayal of facial expressions, making 'use of vibrant, contrasting colors' an incorrect characteristic.
The Alexander Mosaic is typically dated to the early Roman Empire period, around 50 CE.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic is typically dated to the late Roman Republic period, specifically between approximately 120 BCE and 100 BCE, not the early Roman Empire.
The Alexander Mosaic is believed to be a copy of a Hellenistic painting by either Philoxenus of Eretria or Apelles.
Answer: True
Scholarly consensus suggests the Alexander Mosaic is a copy of a Hellenistic painting, with Philoxenus of Eretria or Apelles frequently cited as potential original artists.
The presence of the Alexander Mosaic in a Roman civilian's home suggests that Romans viewed Alexander the Great as a symbol of aspiration and power.
Answer: True
The commissioning of the Alexander Mosaic for a Roman private residence indicates that Alexander the Great served as a powerful symbol of aspiration and authority for Roman citizens and leaders alike.
The distinct Greek style, including close-up portraits of heroes, supports the belief that the Alexander Mosaic is a copy of a Hellenistic Greek painting.
Answer: True
The Alexander Mosaic's distinct Greek stylistic elements, such as the prominent close-up portraits of its heroic figures, provide strong evidence for its origin as a copy of a Hellenistic Greek painting.
Some scholars argue that interpreting the Roman copy of the Alexander Mosaic within the same cultural context as the Greek original enhances the achievements of Roman artists.
Answer: False
Some scholars contend that interpreting the Roman copy of the Alexander Mosaic solely within the cultural context of its Greek original tends to diminish, rather than enhance, the unique contributions and achievements of the Roman artists who created the copy.
The Alexander Mosaic was featured on the Greek 100 drachma banknote in 1956.
Answer: False
In 1956, the Alexander Mosaic was featured on the Greek 1,000 drachma banknote, not the 100 drachma banknote.
The Alexander Mosaic is considered 'Roman' primarily because it was created by Roman artists in Rome.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic is considered 'Roman' primarily due to its time and location within the later Roman Republic, reflecting Roman appreciation and adoption of Hellenistic art, rather than its creation by Roman artists in Rome.
The Alexander Mosaic is typically dated to which historical period?
Answer: Late Roman Republic
The Alexander Mosaic is generally dated to the late Roman Republic period, specifically between 120 BCE and 100 BCE.
Which of the following artists is mentioned as a potential creator of the original Hellenistic painting copied by the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: Apelles
Apelles is cited as one of the potential creators of the original Hellenistic painting from which the Alexander Mosaic is believed to be a copy.
What did the commissioning of the Alexander Mosaic for a Roman civilian's home suggest about Roman attitudes towards Alexander the Great?
Answer: He was a symbol of aspiration and power
The presence of the Alexander Mosaic in a Roman home suggests that Alexander the Great was viewed as a significant symbol of aspiration and power, influencing Roman leaders and citizens.
What is one reason scholars believe the Alexander Mosaic is a copy of a Hellenistic Greek painting?
Answer: Its distinct Greek style, including close-up portraits of main heroes
Scholars infer the Alexander Mosaic is a copy of a Hellenistic Greek painting due to its distinct Greek stylistic elements, such as the close-up portraits of its main heroes, which differ from typical Roman battle scenes.
The Alexander Mosaic is considered 'Roman' despite its Hellenistic origins primarily due to what?
Answer: Its time and location in relation to the later Roman Republic
Despite its Hellenistic artistic origins, the Alexander Mosaic is classified as 'Roman' primarily because of its creation and context within the later Roman Republic.
The original Alexander Mosaic was discovered in the House of the Faun in Pompeii and is currently displayed in Rome.
Answer: False
While discovered in the House of the Faun in Pompeii, the original Alexander Mosaic is currently preserved and displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy, not Rome.
The Alexander Mosaic was preserved because it was intentionally buried in a vault for safekeeping before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic was preserved by the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which buried Pompeii, rather than by intentional burial for safekeeping.
The Alexander Mosaic was rediscovered in 1831 in Pompeii, inlaid into the ground of the House of the Faun.
Answer: True
The Alexander Mosaic was indeed rediscovered in 1831 within the House of the Faun in Pompeii, where it was found inlaid into the ground between two open peristyles.
The original Alexander Mosaic is currently undergoing restoration in Rome.
Answer: False
The original Alexander Mosaic is currently located at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy, where it is undergoing restoration in an adjacent room, not in Rome.
The International Center for the Study and Teaching of Mosaic (CISIM) in Ravenna, Italy, initiated a project to create a modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic in 2003.
Answer: True
The International Center for the Study and Teaching of Mosaic (CISIM) in Ravenna, Italy, did indeed propose and receive approval in 2003 to create a modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic.
Severo Bignami's team created the modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic using approximately 2 million pieces of glass, completing the project in 12 months.
Answer: False
Severo Bignami's team created the modern copy using approximately 2 million pieces of various marble types, not glass, and the project took 22 months to complete, not 12 months.
The modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic was installed in the House of the Faun in Pompeii in 2005, returning a representation of the artwork to its original location.
Answer: True
The modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic was indeed installed in the House of the Faun in Pompeii in 2005, thereby re-establishing a representation of the artwork at its original archaeological site.
IPERION CH's 2015 research on the mosaic used invasive techniques to identify original parts from restorations.
Answer: False
The IPERION CH research conducted in 2015 on the Alexander Mosaic specifically utilized non-invasive analysis techniques to differentiate original components from subsequent restoration efforts.
A photogrammetric model created in 2018 allowed researchers to identify flaws and cracks in the Alexander Mosaic invisible to the human eye.
Answer: True
The photogrammetric model developed in 2018 enabled researchers to detect subtle flaws and cracks in the Alexander Mosaic that were not discernible through direct human observation, enhancing understanding of its condition.
The 2021 restoration project for the Alexander Mosaic identified issues such as detached tesserae and surface depressions.
Answer: True
The initial assessments for the 2021 restoration project of the Alexander Mosaic at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples indeed identified several issues, including detached tesserae, cracks, bulges, and surface depressions.
Where is the original Alexander Mosaic currently preserved and displayed?
Answer: The National Archaeological Museum, Naples
The original Alexander Mosaic is currently preserved and displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy, after being transported there in 1843.
The Alexander Mosaic was preserved due to what natural event?
Answer: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The Alexander Mosaic's preservation is attributed to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which buried Pompeii under volcanic ash.
In what year was the Alexander Mosaic rediscovered in Pompeii?
Answer: 1831
The Alexander Mosaic was rediscovered in Pompeii in 1831, during archaeological excavations of the House of the Faun.
What was the cost equivalent of the project to create the modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: $216,000
The project to create the modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic incurred a cost equivalent to $216,000.
When was the finished modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic installed in the House of the Faun in Pompeii?
Answer: 2005
The finished modern copy of the Alexander Mosaic was installed in the House of the Faun in Pompeii in 2005, returning a representation of the artwork to its original archaeological context.
What was the primary goal of the IPERION CH research on the Alexander Mosaic in 2015?
Answer: To identify original parts versus restoration efforts
The primary objective of the IPERION CH research in 2015 was to analyze the mosaic's physical composition and distinguish between its original components and subsequent restoration additions.
What technological advancement in 2018 provided a more detailed understanding of the Alexander Mosaic's condition by revealing invisible flaws?
Answer: Photogrammetric model
In 2018, a photogrammetric model was developed, enabling researchers to detect previously invisible flaws and cracks in the Alexander Mosaic, thereby enhancing its condition assessment.
What major restoration project for the Alexander Mosaic began in January 2021?
Answer: A project to conserve the mosaic at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples
In January 2021, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples commenced a significant restoration project aimed at conserving the Alexander Mosaic.
What was the original placement of the Alexander Mosaic within the House of the Faun upon its rediscovery?
Answer: Inlaid into the ground between two open peristyles
Upon its rediscovery, the Alexander Mosaic was found inlaid into the ground of the House of the Faun, positioned between two open peristyles.
What was the purpose of the 'velinatura' technique previously used on some areas of the Alexander Mosaic?
Answer: To cover cracks with thin paper bandages
The 'velinatura' technique was previously applied to certain areas of the Alexander Mosaic using thin paper bandages, primarily to conceal cracks.
The Alexander Mosaic was positioned in the House of the Faun to be viewed from a distance, typically from an upper balcony.
Answer: False
The Alexander Mosaic was strategically placed on the floor where the patron received guests, intended to be a prominent decorative object immediately visible upon entry, not viewed from a distance or upper balcony.
According to Adolf Hoffmann, the House of the Faun was constructed in a single, continuous phase.
Answer: False
Adolf Hoffmann's analysis indicates that the House of the Faun was constructed in two principal phases, not a single continuous phase, reflecting a complex architectural development.
In the 'first House of the Faun,' the Alexander Mosaic was already a central decorative element in the principal exedra.
Answer: False
According to Hoffmann's reconstruction, the Alexander Mosaic was not present in the initial layout of the 'first House of the Faun,' and thus was not a central decorative element during that phase.
The first incarnation of the House of the Faun, dating to approximately 180 BCE, occupied an entire city block and included three atria.
Answer: False
The first incarnation of the House of the Faun, dating to approximately 180 BCE, occupied two-thirds of the insula and featured two atria, not an entire city block or three atria.
The Alexander exedra was an original feature of the first peristyle in the House of the Faun.
Answer: False
According to Hoffmann, the Alexander exedra was not an original feature of the first peristyle but was constructed during the 'second House of the Faun' phase.
The first peristyle in the House of the Faun was strategically placed, suggesting the rest of the house was designed around the site of the great mosaic.
Answer: True
The strategic placement and dominant role of the first peristyle in the House of the Faun's design suggest that the overall architectural plan was conceived around the intended location of the Alexander Mosaic.
The 'second House of the Faun' phase involved refashioning the first peristyle in the Ionic order and constructing the Alexander exedra.
Answer: True
During the 'second House of the Faun' phase, the first peristyle was indeed refashioned in the Ionic order, and the Alexander exedra was constructed as part of extensive rebuilding and renovation.
Only the Alexander Mosaic was found in the House of the Faun; no other floor mosaics were present.
Answer: False
In addition to the Alexander Mosaic, several other floor mosaics depicting Nilotic events and theatrical masks were discovered in the House of the Faun, indicating a rich array of artistic decoration.
Eight pictorial mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, were laid in the House of the Faun as part of a major renovation program in the early first century BCE.
Answer: True
Eight pictorial mosaics, including the renowned Alexander Mosaic, were indeed installed in the House of the Faun as part of a significant renovation program during the early first century BCE.
Many other mosaics in the House of the Faun feature iconography resembling themes from Roman mythology.
Answer: False
Many of the other mosaics found in the House of the Faun exhibit iconography and themes characteristic of Ptolemaic Egypt, rather than Roman mythology.
The traditional view holds that the Alexander Mosaic and the Nilotic triptych were installed simultaneously due to their similar technical accomplishment.
Answer: False
The traditional scholarly view posits that the Alexander Mosaic and the Nilotic triptych were installed at different times (c. 110 BCE and c. 80 BCE, respectively), partly due to a perceived difference in their technical accomplishment.
How was the Alexander Mosaic positioned in the House of the Faun to maximize its impact on visitors?
Answer: On the floor where the patron received guests
The Alexander Mosaic was strategically placed on the floor of the reception area in the House of the Faun, ensuring it was a prominent visual element for guests.
Why was the House of the Faun considered one of Pompeii's most important houses?
Answer: Its impressive size and elaborate decoration
The House of the Faun was recognized as one of Pompeii's most important residences due to its substantial size and extensive, elaborate decorative elements, including the Alexander Mosaic.
According to Adolf Hoffmann, how many principal phases were involved in the construction of the House of the Faun?
Answer: Two
Adolf Hoffmann's analysis indicates that the construction of the House of the Faun proceeded through two distinct principal phases.
What order of columns characterized the first peristyle in the 'first House of the Faun'?
Answer: Doric
The first peristyle in the 'first House of the Faun' was characterized by columns of the Doric order.
The major renovation phase, known as the 'second House of the Faun,' began around what year?
Answer: 110 BCE
The major renovation phase, referred to as the 'second House of the Faun,' commenced around 110 BCE.
What types of mosaics, besides the Alexander Mosaic, were found surrounding it in the House of the Faun?
Answer: Nilotic events and theatrical masks
Alongside the Alexander Mosaic, other floor mosaics discovered in the House of the Faun depicted Nilotic events and theatrical masks.
Many of the other mosaics in the House of the Faun feature iconography resembling themes from which culture?
Answer: Ptolemaic Egypt
Many of the other mosaics in the House of the Faun display iconography and themes that are characteristic of Ptolemaic Egypt.
What was the overall scope of the first incarnation of the House of the Faun, dating to approximately 180 BCE?
Answer: It occupied two-thirds of the insula and consisted of two atria and one peristyle
The first incarnation of the House of the Faun, dating to around 180 BCE, encompassed two-thirds of the insula and included two atria and one peristyle.
What was the significance of the first peristyle in the design of the House of the Faun?
Answer: It dominated the house's design and determined other major parts
The first peristyle held significant architectural importance, dominating the House of the Faun's design and influencing the layout and dimensions of other major sections of the residence.
Which of the following changes was part of the 'second House of the Faun' renovation phase?
Answer: The first peristyle was refashioned in the Ionic order
A key change during the 'second House of the Faun' renovation phase was the refashioning of the first peristyle in the Ionic order, alongside the construction of the Alexander exedra.
When were the eight pictorial mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, laid in the House of the Faun?
Answer: As part of a major renovation program in the early first century BCE
The eight pictorial mosaics, including the Alexander Mosaic, were installed in the House of the Faun during a major renovation program conducted in the early first century BCE.
What is the traditional view regarding the installation timing of the Alexander Mosaic and the Nilotic triptych?
Answer: The Alexander Mosaic was laid around 110 BCE, and the Nilotic triptych around 80 BCE
The traditional view suggests that the Alexander Mosaic was installed around 110 BCE, while the Nilotic triptych was laid approximately 30 years later, around 80 BCE.