Tessera mosaic12/15/2023 What Are Some Famous Greek Mosaics Facts?ĭuring the Imperial era, a more classical period began for the mosaic art form as it became highly developed and elaborate. Many of the majestic Greek floor mosaics that give testimony to this era in time are still preserved in their ancient molds, interspersed throughout remnants of the once widely encompassing Greek and Roman empires.Ĭountless mosaics in North Africa, Carthage and Tunisia feature many of these famous Greek artworks. With the spread of the Roman Empire, this art form gained in scope and outreach and began to enshrine Roman temples and sprawl across the floors of Hellenistic villas. This also lay the foundations for a wider skill set of varying techniques that were all rooted in the same methodology. The spread of this famous Greek mosaic technique initiated the art form, taking it to a higher level while giving way to more vivid detail and imagery. Often depicting pagan gods, people and animals, the Ancient Greeks were the first to use what is known today as tesserae or the many small pieces of marble, glass, or tile that comprise a mosaic artwork. The Ancient Greeks modernized mosaic art by pioneering the use of smaller elements while also introducing the consistent use of geometric symmetries. This, in turn, shaped the method and technique that is still applied today. It wasn’t until the Ancient Greeks took the art form into their own hands circa 8 th Century BC that it became a far more intricate process. Photo credit: cargocollective Early Christian Mosaics In addition to decoration, these mosaics also served as protection from harsh weather. Similar to what we now know as mosaic design, these early works of art were limited to red and white and aligned symmetrically – forming a pattern. Photo credit: 123rf Laying the FoundationsĮarly Mesopotamian mosaics were made by combining terra-cotta fixtures. Their durable quality is why we still find many Greek and Roman floor mosaics today. These large designs were favored as they are much less vulnerable when buildings collapse. The most common use of mosaic design in the Greco-Roman world were floor mosaics. Before that time, the first ever creations of art resembling mosaics are said to have been laid out in Ubaid, Mesopotamia during the third millennium BC. Greek Mosaics, which can be found in parts of Greece and modern-day Macedonia are believed to be the earliest form of the art still in existence today. The history of mosaics, especially Greek mosaics, is elaborate and winding, extending over a vast passage of time and geography.įrom the advent of the art form, to what we know now as mosaic design, Ancient Greek mosaics are as important today as they were thousands of years ago.
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