Facts about Byzantine Mosaics

1. 05

   Skilled artisans deliberately set tesserae at slight angles so reflected light would flicker and animate mosaic surfaces, enhancing their spiritual atmosphere.

   Byzantine MosaicsJun 6shareartmedievaltechnique
2. 04

   Ravenna, Italy, preserves exceptional Byzantine mosaics in monuments like the Basilica of San Vitale, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Byzantine MosaicsJun 6shareartmedievalarchitecture
3. 03

   Byzantine mosaics typically arranged small colored stones and glass pieces called tesserae to cover entire walls, vaults, and apses of churches.

   Byzantine MosaicsJun 6shareartmedievalarchitecture
4. 02

   The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul contains some of the most celebrated Byzantine mosaics, including imperial portraits dating from the 9th to 14th centuries.

   Byzantine MosaicsJun 6shareartmedievalarchitecture
5. 01

   Gold tesserae used in Byzantine mosaics were made by sandwiching gold leaf between two layers of glass, creating their distinctive luminous effect.

   Byzantine MosaicsJun 6shareartmedievalcraftsmanship