Orpheus Mosaic (1988-1989)
 
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An overhead view of the Orpheus Mosaic in 1989, after its conservation by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the GCI. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

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The Orpheus Mosaic in February 1988, after cleaning but before conservation. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

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A detailed view of the head of the Orpheus figure in the mosaic after cleaning but before conservation. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

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Demetrios Michaelides of the Cyprus Department of Antiquities cleans the Orpheus figure in the mosaic. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

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The initial undercutting of the Orpheus Mosaic, starting from the west end. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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A close-up view of the undercutting of the mosaic. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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Detachment of the mosaic from east end. The drum is stabilized with supports exploiting lacunae in the mosaic's surface. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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The mosaic, fully rolled onto the drum. A bulldozer with a large, maneuverable scoop—from which the ropes attached to the drum could be suspended—was used to transport the mosaic. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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Epoxy is applied to the back of the mosaic, which is now covered in a layer of fiberglass. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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The mosaic, with its new support, is lifted to be moved back to its original site. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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Detail of a lacuna in the mosaic being filled. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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Cotton gauze and acrylic resin facings are removed from the mosaic surface, following reinstallation. Photo: J. Claire Dean.

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The Orpheus Mosaic after reinstallation with the remains of the temporary shelter around it. Photo: Guillermo Aldana.

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The specially designed hexashelter was constructed in 1989 to protect the Orpheus Mosaic. Photo: Martha Demas.

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View of the interior of the hexashelter protecting the Orpheus Mosaic. Photo: Martha Demas.