Mosaics
⭐ MasteredA mosaic is a picture made of many small coloured pieces called tesserae, like tiles or glass. The Romans made beautiful floor mosaics.
Some mosaics are over 2,000 years old.
All about Mosaics
A mosaic is a picture or pattern made from many small pieces of coloured material, called tesserae. The tesserae can be tiles, glass, stone or pottery pieces. When viewed from a distance, the pieces blend together into a larger image.
The Romans made beautiful floor mosaics, and mosaics were common in churches and palaces in the Byzantine Empire. Making a mosaic takes patience, but it is a satisfying way to create a long-lasting artwork.
The pieces are set into a surface such as plaster or cement. Mosaics have been made for thousands of years and can be found in ancient Roman buildings and modern public art.
Artists choose colours carefully so that the small pieces combine to form a clear picture when seen from a distance.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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Real-life uses of Mosaics
- Decorating a garden table or flowerpot
- Designing a floor or wall pattern
- Creating a mosaic artwork from paper or tiles
Frequently asked questions about Mosaics
What are tesserae?
The small pieces of material used to make a mosaic.
Where can I see ancient mosaics?
Many ancient Roman mosaics survive in places such as Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy.
Can I make a mosaic with paper?
Yes. Tear or cut coloured paper into small pieces and glue them onto cardboard to make a simple mosaic.