mosaiikki

Mosaiikki, or mosaic, is an art form in which small pieces called tesserae are assembled to form an image or pattern. The tesserae are typically made from stone, glass, or ceramic and are set on a bed of mortar or adhesive on floors, walls, or ceilings. The technique emphasizes color, light, and texture and yields durable, decorative surfaces.

Mosaic dates to ancient Near Eastern and Aegean civilizations and flourished in Roman and Byzantine art, where floors and walls were decorated in churches and public buildings. Islamic art developed intricate geometric mosaics. In Europe, mosaics remained prominent through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with revival in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Techniques include the direct method, placing tesserae directly on the surface, and the indirect method, fixing tesserae to a temporary backing for later installation. Materials include smalti glass, marble, limestone, and ceramic; occasionally gold leaf provides luminous effects. Mosaics are laid on plaster, cement, or modern substrates and are often grouted to seal joints.

Notable examples range from Byzantine works in Ravenna and Hagia Sophia to Pompeii floor mosaics. Islamic and medieval mosaics appear across Iberia and the Middle East. In the modern era, trencadís mosaics by Antoni Gaudí and other contemporary artists bring the technique into urban contexts.

Preservation challenges include moisture, movement, and grime. Conservation involves cleaning, stabilization, and careful replacement of damaged tesserae. Mosaic remains a durable and versatile form in architecture, art, and public spaces.