Famous Mosaic Artworks

By Author: Christina Thomson
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Mosaic art has evolved throughout the centuries since the first time it was first used to decorate walls, ceilings and floors. The mosaic tools have also evolved from the humble pebbles to the more exquisite reflective mosaic tiles. The themes changed throughout the centuries as well. From simple scenes depicting everyday life, to gladiators and warriors, roman gods and festivities to geometric and decorative shapes, we can really say that mosaic has evolved along with us. Among the many famous mosaic artworks that have been uncovered include those that were found in the Macedonian city of Aegae. The mosaics found there decorated the vast floors of the many Hellenistic villas. In another place, more specifically in North Africa, mosaics were also discovered covering the floors of Roman Villas. Among the largest collections of mosaic pieces was found in the Villa Romana del Casala which is near Piazza Armerina in Sicily. These collections of beautiful artistic mosaic tiles are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oddly enough, these mosaics were actually buried and protected by a landslide which happened in the 12th century. ...
... Before its discovery, it had been buried for about 700 years. In this mosaic collection, the most notables ones are the Circus Scene, the Little Hunt, the 64 m long Great Hunting Scene, the Labors of Hercules and the infamous Bikini Girls which features girls in what looks like our modern day bikinis.

During the time of the Renaissance and the Baroque art, mosaics went out of fashion and were replaced by frescoes but that didn't stop mosaics from appearing in a more opulent form. Mosaic tools of course became a bit more advanced, as were the tiles that were used. This advancement made for brighter more reflective mosaics. The likes of which can be see in the old St. Peter's Basilica which was beautifully decorated with mosaics that flaunted the richness and artistry of the time. Soon enough, mosaics became common place in churches that were built during the earliest Christian eras and continued on till the 17th century. The artistic mosaic tiles of this time also proved to be more long lasting than its predecessors. The mosaics that can be found in Sr. Peter's Basilica were often based on designs or the canvases from Guido Renu, Ciro Ferri, Domenichini, Carlo Maratta among many others. Mosaic artists who contributed to some of the mosaics that can be found in the basilica were Giovanni Battista Calandra, Favio Cristofari and Pietro Paolo Cristofari. The artist Raphael, himself, is represented in the form of a mosaic replica of his last work of art, the Transfiguration.

As you can see, no matter which century the mosaic has always been a prevalent form of art. Though not as popular as its contemporaries, it never fell out of the picture. Even now, people still admire the beauty of a good mosaic art work. The alignment and arrangement of the mosaic tiles to create a picture never failed to impress even the most discerning of viewers. Truly, this art form is a classic and truly exquisite.