A Brief Retrospection on Mosaic Art

Mosaics refer to the surface decoration or art in colored components of small size like shell, tile, glass, mineral and stone. These are used for flooring and set in an adhesive ground. Square and triangles are the commonly used shapes of mosaics but one can also find some other regular shapes of mosaics.

These regular shapes are called tesserae. Mosaics can be applied on different surfaces but are commonly used on floor or wall. The surface on which they are applied needs to be prepared with adhesive or mortar for receiving the design.

Mosaic is a form of art. It has some similarities with painting. Like painting, mosaic also represents image or design in two dimensions. Mosaic, like painting is a technique, which is appropriate to apply for the decoration of large scale surface. A mosaic artist can only use the colors of materials available to him. But a painter can use any color of his choice. Therefore, it is not an easy task to create same light and shadow variation in mosaic. Some qualities of mosaic helps in the creation of some distance effects. That is why, some of the mosaic works are more brilliant than paintings.

Every decorative medium has its own unique qualities. Mosaic is not an exception. For this reason, it is suitable for certain decorative functions. Unique qualities of mosaic have not however caused the popularity of the mosaic to fade out. Mosaic is one of the oldest forms of arts. It is noted among the most beautiful forms of art. People often wonder that how this art form has evolved and survived for centuries.

The art form of mosaic can be found in different locations and cultures. For this reason, one cannot root mosaic to any specific culture or root. However, the historians have confirmed that art form of mosaic has come into people’s life from orient. A primitive demonstration discovered in mosaic art dated back to oldest Mesopotamian civilization. It was related to the Chaldeans of 4000 B.C. The remains for these were found included in some painted columns decorated with mosaics. In the 8th century B.C. some pebble pavements used different colored stones for the creation of patterns. Yet, these patterns were treated as unstructured decorations.

Greeks in fourth century B.C. had transformed mosaic as a form of art. The field of mosaic was further modified by the Romans. Yet, the skill and artistry level was diminished slightly. The Byzantine Empire with the civilization had taken hold of mosaic art in 5th century A.D. They introduced new characteristics into this art. There was prominent reflection of eastern influence in this form of art. The reflection was also found in glass tesserae usage.

The mosaic art of these days embraces the greatness of each and every civilization of which it had been a part. It has captured the artistic spirits and secrets of all culture in which it existed. Different forms of mosaic can be found on several heritage buildings and monuments. This art has been connected to modern art by Phoenician Arts. It has blended knowledge and expertize of passionate modern artists with secret techniques used in past. Mosaic art can add warmth and inspirational touch to any setting.