Wall mosaic with allegorical representation of Life and Easy Living, 350-400 CE from Emesa, Syria at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada

In this detailed mosaic, an affluent couple is shown engaged in relaxed conversation on an elegant couch. The scene is given allegorical meaning by the Greek inscription, tryphe - bios, which identifies the female figure as Tryphe, meaning soft and leisurely living. The male figure is Bios, meaning Life. The allegory implies that life should be accompanied by pleasurable living. The man is also shown holding a magic wheel in his right hand. This was a charm used to keep lovers together - its presence further emphasizes the idea that Life and Easy Living should be inseparable.


Image: Wall mosaic with allegorical representation of Life and Easy Living, 350-400 CE from Emesa, Syria at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada courtesy of the museum.

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