Often made of meticulously arranged colored glass tiles, mosaics offer an eye-catching approach to art and decoration.
What are Mosaics?
Mosaics areassemblagescomposed out oftessera(small pieces of glass, stone, or other nature-based materials).
Abstract Venetian Mosaic (Photo:A_LesikviaShutterstock)
When made out of glass, these pieces are typically cut into squares or shaped using special tools.
The History of Mosaics
Mosaics have been a popular art form in several cultures around the world.
The earliest known mosaics were found in aMesopotamiantemple dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
Mosaic Tiles (Photo:phaustovviaShutterstock)
Jame Atiq Mosque, Shiraz, Iran (875)
During the Middle Ages, mosaics were central toByzantineart.
Often portraits, these pieces are renowned for their intricate details and liberal use of glimmeringgold leaf.
Lizard Fountain at Park Guell in in Barcelona, Spain.
Roman Villa of Pisões, Lusitania, Portugal (Photo:Carole RaddatoviaWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0)
(Photo:MarinaDaviaShutterstock)
Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome (1295)
Jame Atiq Mosque, Shiraz, Iran (875)
San Vitale, Ravenna (Photo:Petar MiloševićviaWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0)
Lizard Fountain at Park Guell in in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo:MarinaDaviaShutterstock)
