Des emblemata – pinakes déliens : iconographie, technique, usage

International audienceDelian emblemata – pinakes: iconography, technique, usage.Based on three corners of emblemata on thick mortar plaques, this article examines the iconography, technique and usage of three mosaic plaques (late 2nd-early 1st century) found on Delos. Two of these come from sanctuaries (Kynthion, Samothrakeion) and the third from a house. The mosaic plaque from Kynthios depicts a face not yet identified. None of the three plaques were placed on a floor or wall. Their study leads to the conclusion that there were portable mosaic pinakes, just as there were portable paintings, which has been known for some time. The sources, both iconographic and literary, support this interpretation