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Roman Style In
direct contrast to earlier mosaic depictions of many Roman gods,
which were most often constructed on the floor, the later images
containing only the godly figure of Christ were predominantly constructed
on the ceilings of churches, baptisteries, and cathedrals. This
inherently gives the images a very superior, heavenly feel, and
the floors tended to be avoided in the production of a mosaic during
the later years of the Roman Empire. For observations concerning
the texture of mosaics in general, see the section concerning physical
aspects of multiple-god images. The very refined texture and detailed
feeling conveyed with the use of tiles is similarly reflected in
the later mosaic representations and added to the aura of superiority,
for the great level of detail gives an impression of perfection
to the viewer. Symmetry is a common visual aid involved in the later
depictions of Christ. As opposed to the earlier mosaics, in which
symmetry was rarely put into practice, many symmetrical designs
enhanced the borders and backgrounds of the depictions of Christ,
a balanced number of figures on either side, and is also evident
in the figure himself, for many of the illustrations appear to have
symmetrical facial features as well as bodily features. http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/prassede2.jpg
In order to separate figures from each other, more space is generally used, adding to the already blocky, spaced-out nature inherent to mosaic designs. Figures are able to be portrayed more prominently with a greater separation from the rest of the image. A very unique idea of power is conveyed with the visual devices put into play in Roman mosaic art depicting a single god. Instead of an aggressive, commanding figure, Christ is portrayed as a more solemn, respectful, distinguished character. He is commonly enlarged and centered in relation to the rest of the image. http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/prassede2.jpg This image (the previous image) well illustrates this observation as well, with Christ standing with a very proper, distinguished air in the center of the piece and enlarged relative to the surrounding figures. The choice of color in these later-style mosaics is very interesting and offers some insight into the Romans’ ideas and thoughts about power. Note the significant use of very bright colors, with oranges, blues, greens, whites, and most importantly gold. The bright colors offer more clarity, specificity in borders and outlines of figures, and gives the viewer a feeling of richness associated with gold. The significant use of these bright colors conveys a more distinguished, other-worldly impression and connects Christ with the heavens, rather than the earth. One’s idea of heaven commonly involves a rich, gold-embossed, decorated environment; this exact sort of environment is evident in these depictions of Christ. It is so strong and apparent that it tends to create a significant separation between the context of the image and the real world. Christ is portrayed in a richer, more superior context. This may offer insight into the Romans’ evolving ideas concerning richness, which you will see in the next section, devoted to a more symbolic analysis of the style. Most often, smaller adoring, praising figures are portrayed surrounding the figure of Christ. These followers and adorers are involved in the creation of a superior aura around the god figure. All attention is directed to Christ, and the viewer’s attention is intended to mimic this focus of attention. In order to convey a feeling of power, the figure stands tall, is dressed in robes, is surrounded by riches and adorers, and even may be depicted as hovering above the ground, even while his followers may be planted on the ground. There is a sense of rule over the other figures, but with more of a sense of superiority and knowledge, rather than strength or courage evident in the earlier depictions of multiple gods. However, there is always an expression of care apparent on Christ’s face; this may be evidence of the god’s sympathy toward humanity. http://www.classicalmosaics.com/images/DSCN2563.JPG This image very well reflects the sympathetic but superior image of Christ. |