Mosaic

medieval times artworks such as paintings and sculptures in the round were no longer being created, so the arts of the time were often mosaics (on the interior walls of churches), manuscripts in richly decorated bibles and architecture. Mosaics, specifically, changed over this period. Transforming from the classical style of the Greeks and Romans, with the realistic and naturalistic forms, developing its own methods, becoming denatured and adding an abundance of symbolism to the pieces. Two such examples are the Justinian and Theodora mosaics at San Vitale. This paper will describe not only the resemblances, but also the differences in the two mosaics from in the same time period. Emperor Justinian and Attendants. Mosaic on north wall of the apse Tesserae c. 547. 8 ' 8" by 12 ' Church of San Vitale. In this large piece, it is easy to discern…

One of the least common art forms in the contemporary art world is the mosaic. Compared to the more common art forms such as painting or ceramics, mosaics have decreased in use from their peak in the ancient world. However, this does not diminish the importance and beauty of mosaics, but rather allows modern societies to admire an art form that it is unfamiliar and exotic, with many intricacies that are not at first obvious. Commissioned mainly by the rich, mosaics grew and spread across the…

Describe this piece of artwork. The Lod mosaic was discovered in 1996. It was extremely well preserved, despite its age. It was in near perfect condition. It is believed to be part of a large Roman villa from the Byzantine era. Made up of several panels, it is 17 meters long and 9 meters wide (approximately 180 square meters). It is made up of colorful animals including elephants, lions, birds, fish, and crustaceans. Beside the fauna, there are also depictions of various flora, ships,…

is not uncommon for cathedrals in the Byzantine Empire to be used as status of prosperity and power, rather than being solely places of worship. San Vitale is known for the incredible mosaics that create a focus on Justinian, Theodora, and other political figures which make it more of a glorification of the emperor than a religious building. How much decadence and lavishness is acceptable before the focus of this church becomes more about paying respects to the people in power in the time it was…

Ernst Kitzinger finds the way the artist characterizes the spatial illusion of the mosaic most significant. He notes that, the artist uses different techniques from other paintings to create this spatial illusion. The author is trying to demonstrate that the mosaic has different sections as it relates to the planes. He argues that the scale of these planes are not uniformed. While Thomas Mathew’s discussion reflects symbolism. He argues that this image is of Christ but it doesn’t have any…

Tessellations , Tessellations are a arrangement of shapes closely fitted together , especially of polygons in a repeated patterns without gaps or overlapping . They make really pretty designs if you do it right . Another word for Tessellations is “tiling”.Tessellations are catching to the eye and they are found in the regular everyday patterns such as , bathroom floors , backsplashes , turtle shells , honeycombs, raspberries, quilts and fish . “Tessellations are also widely used in the design of…

Image 1: Theodora and Her Attendants is a beautiful mosaic that is located in San Vitale in Ravenna. Some believe that this piece is part of a religious and political statement. The mosaic was created in 547 ca. This piece is making a statement of power. Justinian regained control of Italy and Ravenna after many years of being under anothers power. Justinian immediately reinstated Christanity as the religion of the country. In this piece Theodora is standing in front of a group of her…

Empress Theodora and Attendants, is a mosaic found in the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy. Considered to be one of the most important surviving example of Byzantine architecture and mosaic work, it was created ca. 526-547 under Ostrogothic rule. Empress Theodora and her entourage are displayed in the south wall of the apse, right across from Justinian and his retinue. One of the key stylistic changes we noticed when viewing this mosaic, is that it is leaving the classical styles of…

Creating art is, as some say, the indication of mystery in excellence or God; it is a diversion in which man lets off an overabundance of steam [stored energy]; otherwise it is the outflow of feelings by man’s psyche, and most of all; it is pleasure; however, considering everything, it is a method of social unity amongst mankind; consoling them in similar feelings and forever extending the shared common visual language of the world. Through new visual ideas introduced by artists, categories of…

The Emperor Justinian and His Attendants was made in 547 A.D by an artist who is still unknown because for the most part most of the art created during this time were unsigned. This piece is a colorful and very detailed Mosaic which highlights the Byzantine style. The Emperor Justinian and His Attendants can be found in the church of San Vitale in Ravenna. This Mosaic is the most famous figure authority during the Byzantine empire. This image “depicts a centered emperor in front of many…