Being one of the most beautiful and oldest forms of art in the history of man, one couldn’t help but wonder about how such art has evolved and survived through all these centuries. This type of ornamental arts where small tiles of stones and marbles are used to develop patterns and pictures appeared randomly in totally different cultures and locations. That is why; mosaics can’t be rooted to a particular people or culture. However, there is a clear conformity among historians that this type of art came into life out from the orient. One of the primitive demonstrations that were discovered in the art of mosaics goes back to the oldest civilization in Mesopotamia, the Chaldeans, who date back to 4000BC. The remains were some painted columns covered with mosaics.
By the eighth century BC, there were pebble pavements, using different colored stones to create patterns, though these tended to be unstructured decoration.
In the 4th century BC, it was the Greeks who transformed it into an art form through making intricate and well-defined geometric patterns with meticulous scenes of people and animals. With the Romans, the mosaic field was further upgraded even though the level of artistry and skill were slightly diminished. Their works included brilliant geometric displays, celebration of the gods scenes and domestic themes that were used mostly on floors.
Moving to the 5th century AD, the Byzantine Empire and civilization took hold of the mosaic art. New characteristics were injected in this form of art. Eastern influences were clearly reflected in the style and the use of glass tesserae. Mosaics in the Byzantine Era were utilized to cover mainly walls and ceilings. Themes mostly included religion and the portraits of emperors and empresses.
Today, the sheer beauty and magnificence of mosaics are sought by art lovers and people from all over the world. The mosaic art that we’re experiencing nowadays have surpassed the thousands of years that went by. This art beholds the greatness of every civilization and captures the secrets and the artistic spirit of each and every culture that it existed in. Holding on to our precious heritage, Phoenician Arts connects this art with the modern world by blending the secret techniques of our ancestors along with the expertise and knowledge of our passionate artists to bring forth the very best in the timeless world of mosaics. Mosaics add a touch of inspiration and a feeling of warmth to any setting. They are an admirable breath of class & sophistication!