Mosaiigid

Mosaiigid are decorative artworks created by assembling small pieces of colored material, such as stone, glass, or ceramic, into a unified image or pattern. The individual elements, called tesserae, are embedded in a binding medium like mortar or plaster to form a continuous surface. The term mosaic derives from Latin mosaicus, via Italian mosaico, from Greek mousa, “the Muses.”

Mosaics have a long history across the Mediterranean and Near East. Early examples include pebble floors and simple tessellations in ancient civilizations. In classical antiquity, Greek and Roman mosaics progressed to large floor and wall compositions. The Byzantine era produced highly developed works with intricate iconography and sometimes gold backgrounds for churches. Islamic art contributed geometric and vegetal tessellations, while in later Europe mosaics remained a feature of religious and public architecture. In the modern era, artists revived mosaic as a contemporary medium, incorporating new materials and approaches.

Techniques commonly used in mosaic practice include opus tessellatum, which uses regular tesserae for detailed imagery; opus vermiculatum, where tesserae are cut and shaped to create subtle shading; and opus sectile, which employs larger pieces to form broader designs. Materials range from natural stone and smalti glass to ceramic and, in contemporary work, polymers or recycled materials. Surfaces are typically set in mortar, then grouted to stabilize and protect the work.

Notable examples span ancient and medieval sites, such as Roman and Byzantine floors and wall panels, as well as Renaissance and modern installations in public buildings and churches. Today, mosaics are used in architecture, sculpture, and public art, reflecting a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern experimentation. Conservation of mosaics requires specialist care to address detachment, decay of binders, and color stability.