Ambo of the Cathedral of Terracina
Roman workshop (Cosmati tradition) · Italy (Terracina) · Early 13th century
Marble, stone, and glass tesserae
ADR · VIII · MMXXVI
Detail
Zoomorphic Mosaic Roundels - Circular mosaic panels contain stylized animal figures set within a light ground. The bodies are constructed from small tesserae arranged in contrasting colors, with elongated limbs, curved necks, and simplified anatomical features that emphasize pattern over naturalistic description. The creatures resemble lions, birds, or hybrid beasts rather than specific species.
An Ambo is a raised platform used for the reading of scripture during the liturgy. The decoration belongs to the Cosmatesque tradition, a medieval Roman technique that combines carved marble with geometric inlays of colored stone and glass, produced by workshops associated with the Cosmati family.
The surviving elements show the integration of sculpture and mosaic within a unified liturgical furnishing. Marble panels are framed by geometric inlay composed of colored Tesserae (small pieces of stone or glass used to form a mosaic) arranged in circular, interlaced, and banded patterns. Additional fragments include figurative mosaic roundels and carved sculptural supports. The combination of structural marble, ornamental geometry, and limited figural imagery is characteristic of Roman Cosmatesque work of the early thirteenth century.
Detail
Lectern Base with Lions - A marble lectern base is supported by two carved lions positioned side by side. A lectern is a stand used to hold liturgical books for reading. The animals function as both structural supports and symbolic guardians within the church furnishing.
Detail
Underside Support with Mask - The image shows the underside of a projecting marble element viewed from below. At the center, a carved mask with radiating hair or solar features occupies the base of the support block. The surrounding surfaces are bordered with Cosmatesque geometric inlay composed of colored stone and glass tesserae. The mask functions as a decorative termination at the structural base of the projecting element rather than as a frontal panel.
Detail
Geometric Cosmatesque Panel - A marble slab is inlaid with interlocking circles and triangular fields organized around a central disk. The design is composed of colored stone and glass tesserae set into white marble, creating a balanced geometric composition characteristic of Cosmatesque decoration.
