MOSAICS - By Autumn Boyet-Stinton (Original Article Written 2/5/2008)

I just love MOSAICS!  I have really enjoyed doing them and I am inspired by the history of this art form.  There are so many different styles and forms - from the smallest most detailed work, to displays that are LARGER THAN LIFE!  What an amazing expression and art form! 

So, what exactly is MOSAIC?

A MOSAIC is a form of decorative art in which small tiles or fragments, ("tesserae"),  of pottery, colored glass, stone, or other small materials are used to create a pattern or picture. MOSAICS may have originally been used as interior decor, but artists have shown us many different forms through the ages, and we still see this influence today in our modern art. 

Historians generally agree that the origins of MOSAICS may have emerged in the orient. In fact some of the first MOSAICS were most commonly in arcetecture.  While some may have been ornamental, other large MOSAICS depicted war scenes as well as peaceful times.  Stories were told in the use of MOSAICS.   

Glass has played a big role in the history of MOSAICS, and while we may associate glass MOSAICS with Italy, it was in fact the Egyptians who historically began to fuse glass into their MOSAIC decoration.  This use of glass created an amazing industry and led to ships being decorated with amazing MOSAICS. 

Alexandria is home to some of the oldest MOSAICS to be found.  From this vantage point, it is discernable that two different styles developed and became part of new civilizations; one east toward Syria, and the other advancing toward Greece and Italy.  Of the two, Greece is the most familiar as a result of the artist Sosos from Pergamo, where MOSAICS became so popular that they were used in the decoration of even the most modest homes. These MOSAICS are still visible on the magnificent works of art found in various archaeological sites. Interestingly enough, pebbles were used to create contrasting colors and gradation of shading that brought volume to the figures.  As a result of the use of pebbles, ("ciottoli"), it is no wonder that the Greek craftsmen were known for such extremely high levels of reality and perfection.

In Roman times, MOSAICS were first used exclusively for the decoration of floors.  The goal was to create functional works of art that would endure the tests of time.  MOSAICS twisted the general definition of art at that time in that the move was made from art simply being a visual treat on a wall, to that which was an artistic expression that could be walked on and could be easily washed. These floor MOSAICS were first found in formal dining rooms where the simple terracotta floors of the era were not appropriate for the decor and style desires of the host.  Paintings adorned the walls, but the mosaic flooring was ideal from the point of view of both its beauty and its practical aspects.

This idea of taking the mundane and adding something spectacular to it is  evident as you move throughout many parts of Europe.  There are many examples of how MOSAICS can take the most general, normal, everyday, functional things and make them most memorable.  MOSAICS were widely used to decorate the walls of fountains, swimming pools, columns and vaulted ceilings, and particularly fountains that graced gardens. They were made with glass paste, shells, and enamels to accentuate their brilliance.

The use of MOSAIC art went into general decline throughout the Middle Ages. However a flourishing tile industry led to MOSAIC tiling patterns in abbeys and other major religious buildings.  In the 1800's there was a revival of interest, particularly in the "Byzantine" MOSAIC style.  One of the most outstanding examples of this style is the Westminster Cathedral. 

The Victorian Era with the concentration of wealth associated with this era  increased domestic and public building projects in which MOSAIC art made a strong comeback.  The Gothic Revival in architecture around this time showed design that looked back to medieval themes and this was reflected in the way tiles and mosaic were used.

But what about Italy?  I don't know about you, but I immediately think of Italy when I think of MOSAICS.  We may have to step back in time a bit, but it is so worth the trip! 

Lets start with Rome, Italy. 

The last great period of Roman mosaic art was around the 1100's.  This is when Rome began to develope its own distinctive artistic style, free from the strict rules of eastern tradition and with a more realistic portrayal of figures in the space. Some of the most well known are pictured in the following links:

Basilica di San Clemente
Santa Maria in Trastevere
San Paolo fuori le Mura

So many of the MOSAICS of this time in Rome had a very religious base.  Many depicted Christ and Mary and are quite iconic.  An examples is  pictured in the following links:

Santa Maria Maggiore
San Tommaso in Formis

Also worth noting is the great Navicella mosaic (1305-1313) in the atrium of the Old St. Peter's.  This giant MOSAIC was originally situated on the eastern porch of the old basilica and occupied the whole wall above the entrance arcade facing the courtyard. It depicted St. Peter walking on the waters. This extraordinary work was mainly destroyed during the construction of the new St. Peter's in the 17th century.  Such a natural representation of a seascape was known only from ancient works of art.

What about Sicily, Italy?

The Norman kings of the area adopted the Byzantine tradition of MOSAIC decoration to enhance the somewhat dubious legality of their rule. As is typical of Italy, the style used in the area was morphed into a unique style of their own that was influenced by  Western European and Islam artistic tendencies. Their palaces were decorated with MOSAICS that depicted trees, animals and outdoor scenes.  However, there was of course a religious influence as well.  Best examples of Sicilian MOSAIC art are shown in the links below:

Cappella Palatina
Martorana
The cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale.
Monreale
The Cathedral of Palermo
The cathedral of Messina
The Otranto cathedral
Amalfi's Norman Cathedral.

Last, but not least...Venice, Italy....the "Pièce de résistance."

Everywhere you turn in Venice you are bound to see evidence of a rich MOSAIC history.  From the interior of the St Mark's Basilica, with it's elaborate golden MOSAICS, to the store and home fronts that present colorful and inspiring MOSAICS, grandure is found in the Venetian's love of art.

St Mark's Basilica , the cathedral of Venice, is the most famous of Venice's churches and is known for the many MOSAICS and great examples of Byzantine influence.  It lies on St. Mark's Square and is a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.  It is called Chiesa d'Oro, or the Chirch of Gold!  There are one hundred and ten MOSAIC scenes in the atrium of St Mark's.  These MOSAICS were created beginning in the 11th century, and while the majority of the MOSAICS are works of local artists from the 12-13th centuries, the decoration of the church was not finished until the 16th century. It is an outstanding example of MOSAIC art. 

Other amazing Venetian MOSAICS worth noting can be found in the links below:

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Trieste
Cathedral of San Giusto

While we are talking about Venice, I think we must talk about Venetian glass.  Antonio Salviati was credited with breathing new life into the Venetian glass industry. He saw the business opportunity in matching the ancient skills practised in Venice with the Victorian demand for glass MOSAICS.  This form of MOSAIC art adds a breathtaking dimension to the history in Venice. 

Moving forward in time, the "Art Nouveau" movement also embraced MOSAIC art.  In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi worked with Josep Maria Jujol to produce the stunning ceramic mosaics of the Guell Park in the early 1900's.  They used a technique known as "trencadis" in which tiles (purpose-made and waste tiles) covered surfaces of buildings. They also incorporated broken crockery and other found objects, a revolutionary idea in formal art and architecture.

This form of MOSAIC art is my favorite!  I enjoy taking the broken bits and pieces that have no purpose of form and making them fit according to their current state. 

There are actually four main methods used in MOSAICS:  The direct method, The double direct method, The indirect method, and The double indirect method.  - I know....couldn't couldn't someone come up with better names???  Regardless, here is what they each entail. 

1. The direct method:  Directly placing and gluing the individual pieces ("tesserae")  onto the supporting surface. This method is well suited to surfaces that have a three-dimensional quality, such as vases.  This method is ideal for smaller projects.  Another advantage s that the resulting MOSAIC is progressively visible, allowing for any adjustments to tile colors placement.  The artist works directly on the chosen surface, which is often not practical for long periods of time. It is unsuitable for large scale projects. Also, it is difficult to control the evenness of the finished surface. This is of particular importance when creating a functional surface such as a floor or a table top. (I found this out the hard way!)

2.  The double direct method:  This means you work directly onto fiberglass mesh. The MOSAIC can then be constructed in one place and then transported or placed on its final location. This is the best way to work if you want to hard piece a large project.  It enables the artist to work in the comfort of their desired environment instead of on-site if needed. 

3.  Indirect method:  The indirect method of applying individual pieces, ("tesserae") is often used for very large projects.  This is best for projects that have many of the same elements or for areas needing site specific shapes. The pieces are laid face-down on a paper backing paper using an adhesive, and later transferred onto walls, floors or craft projects. This method is most useful for extremely large projects as it gives the maker time to rework areas. Mosaic Murals, Benches even tabletops are some of the items usually made using the indirect method.  The big advantage here is the result is a smoother, more even surface.

4. Double indirect method:  The double indirect method can be used when it is important to see the work during the creation process as it will appear when completed. The pieces, ("tesserae") are placed face-up, usually on an adhesive-backed paper or sticky plastic as the artist wants it to appear when installed. When the MOSAIC is complete, a similar medium is placed atop it. The piece is then turned over, the sticky material removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above.  The disadvantage is that it can lead to damaging the work and can be time consuming.  As we all know, the less we move the project before installed, the better! 

So....that was a LONG one!  There was just no way around it.  MOSAIC art is impressive in it's history and visual stimulation.  While we learned that the MOSAIC art form was not born or did not originate in a specific time or place as we know most other art forms did we know that MOSAICS and their meanings were specific to each time period and each civilization that used them to express their artistic abilities.  Therefore, some say that in order to really appreciate MOSAICS and their meaning, one would have to be schooled in each period of history as well as have an understanding of the unique civilization during that time period. 

BUT, I purpose this question for discussion: 

Do we really need an in-depth understanding of a civilization to appreciate art?  Haven't we concluded that art in all forms and the appreciation of art is greatly based on individual interpretation?

ONE OF MY FIRST MOSAIC EXPRESSIONS - Titled:  "The Rocky Mountins"

(All images are protected by Copyright Laws - Autumn Boyet Stinton)