The artwork titled “Mosaic of Deer in Petra Church” was created by Byzantine Mosaic artists between approximately 450 and 550 AD. Executed in the medium of mosaic, this piece belongs to the Early Byzantine art movement (circa 330–750) and falls within the genre of animal painting. It is part of a series located in a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan.
The artwork depicts a central figure of a deer, elegantly composed within a circular frame. The intricate mosaic tiles meticulously form the contours and textures of the deer’s body, capturing both its grace and the detailed realism characteristic of Byzantine mosaics. The use of earthy tones and the deft placement of tiles convey a sense of depth and movement, bringing the animal to life within its geometric boundary. The work showcases the artistic expertise and religious dedication of its time, reflecting the high esteem in which natural scenes were held in Byzantine ecclesiastical settings.