Beyond Iconography
Beyond Iconography: Materials, Methods, and Meaning in Ancient Surface Decoration, is a collection of papers detailing a spectrum of research on ancient surface decoration. For this project, we worked with a Montana State University Art History professor to create a map for use in the publication, that visually aids the reader in understanding the layout of the villa, and placement of strategic frescos, mosaics, and statuary on site.
After the publication, an exhibit displaying all sorts of historic pieces from the villa were toured through the United States, and made an appearance at eh Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana for a period of time. We were also requested to aid in the creation of part of the installation, in the form of recreating the mosaic flooring used throughout.
Map Digitization & Detailing
For us, the whole project started with a scaled, hand-drawn, technical map of the villa at Oplontis. To enable use in the publication, we recreated the map in an editable, vector format, and then added details that emphasized the specific characteristics and architectural details that were being discussed in the associated text.
Museum of the Rockies Installation
As part of the Oplontis project, we were also asked to help create the mosaic flooring for the installation at the Museum of the Rockies when the traveling exhibit came to town. In oder to create the feeling of the Villa in its prime, we worked with museum staff and local printers to add to the tapestry.
Each of these floors were recreated, stitched together, sized to requirement from imagery provided by Oplontis excavators and scholars to pair with and prompt movement through the exhibit, similar to its use in the Italian Villa.
