Mosaic Art and Roman Mosaics Overview

Mosaic Art

• Mosaics are pictures or patterns created from small, colored pieces of hard materials like stone, tile, or glass.
• Found in various ancient civilizations, including Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Islamic.
• Served as decorative elements and a way to tell stories and express culture.

Roman Mosaics

• Typically featured animal sacrifices, domestic scenes, or geometric patterns.
• Also included Christian imagery, like depictions of Christ.
• Floor mosaics were often more abstract than wall mosaics.
• Rarely depicted gods, as it was considered inappropriate to walk on a god's image.
• Earliest surviving mosaics are usually floor mosaics due to better preservation compared to wall mosaics.

Mosaics Creation Process

• Artists used various materials like stone, ceramic, glass, shells, and even precious metals for the small pieces (tesserae).
• The choice of materials depended on availability and aesthetic goals.
• Artists created sketches on the surface (floor, wall, ceiling, object).
• Tesserae were created by breaking larger materials into small, even-sized pieces.
• Tools like hammers, chisels, and specialized tools were used depending on the material.
• Tesserae colors were sometimes natural, or colored with pigments or glazes.
• Tesserae were adhered to the substrate using a mixture of lime, gypsum, and sand.
• Grout (sand and lime/gypsum) filled gaps between tesserae.

Villa Romana del Casale

• An ancient Roman villa in Piazza Armerina, Sicily.
• Offers insights into the lives and culture of the Roman elite during the late Roman Empire.
• Features a large collection of well-preserved Roman mosaics, including "The Great Hunt" and "Bikini Girls".

Villa Romana del Casale - Owner's Identity

• Owner's identity is debated.
• Possible owners might be emperors like Maximian during the period of four rulers in the Roman Empire (two Augusti and two Caesars).
• Potential owner involvement in exotic animal trade and/or North African wheat trade, possibly for gladiatorial games and Rome's population.

"Bikini Girls" Mosaic

• Depicts young women engaging in athletic activities in what appear to be early bikinis.
• Sparks interest by showing ancient Roman fashion and female sports.