Ancient Mosaics (Paperback)

Classic Mosaic: Designs & Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art by Elaine M. Goodwin  (10)

Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World by Katherine M. D. Dunbabin  (3)  $49.59

Geometric Patterns from Roman Mosaics by Robert Field  (1)  $9.35

Encyclopedia Of Mosaic Techniques: A Step-by-step Visual Directory, With An Inspirational Gallery Of Finished Works (Encyclopedia of Art Techniques) by Emma Biggs  (19)  $18.45

Tunisian Mosaics: Treasures from Roman Africa (Conservation and Cultural Heritage Series) by Aicha Ben Abed  (1)  $19.77

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From Library Journal
While most books on ancient mosaics concern themselves mainly with the "how-to" of a specific monument, Ling offers a broad and accessible overview. The evolution of ancient mosaics began in the Greek late Classical period with floors decorated with pebble mosaics and culminated in the lush wall and vault mosaics of Christian Rome. Ling follows the progress of mosaics across the span of the Greco-Roman world, from Britain to Egypt and Spain to Syria, carefully examining stylistic development, techniques, materials, and influences. In addition, he places the mosaics carefully in the context of the world for which and in which they were created. Because of the durable material used, many mosaics are still available for viewing, and Ling has selected a generous sampling for detailed illustration. A solid work by a respected author, this is recommended for both academic and public libraries. --Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Using thousands and sometimes millions of pieces of colored stone or glass to create elaborate patterns or scenes is a painstaking and expensive way to decorate a surface. Yet the art of mosaic enjoyed spectacular success in the Graeco-Roman world, where its practitioners created some of the most beautiful artworks in history. This handsomely illustrated and elegantly written book traces the evolution of mosaic from the Hellenistic period to the early Christian era, with particular emphasis on the Roman Empire, and examines its regional variations from Britain to North Africa and from the Levant to the Spanish seaboard.

The eminent classical scholar Roger Ling explains how mosaics were first made in the fifth century B.C. with the use of inset pebbles to provide durable pavements. He shows how mosaic became one of the hallmarks of luxury in Roman times, when such masterpieces of imperial floor decoration as the black-and-white silhouette pavements of Ostia and the colorful figure compositions of Piazza Armerina in Sicily were created. From pavements, mosaic graduated to walls and ceilings, where it culminated in the soaring blue and gold work of early Christian churches in Rome, Constantinople, and Ravenna. Ling examines the wide range of styles and subject matter employed by mosaicists, whether geometric patterns or figurative scenes of mythology, agriculture, and hunting, and explores what mosaics reveal about domestic and imperial tastes and aspirations. Such topics as techniques and materials, the relationship of mosaic to other forms of interior decoration, and the influence of ancient mosaics in more recent times are also discussed in detail.

Illuminating, attractive, and affordable, this book makes a major contribution to classical scholarship and will also appeal strongly to art historians, artists, designers, and general readers.

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