Jesus' Nativity in Art: Mosaics in Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome
Mosaics are some of the most beautiful of art forms. Composed of small pieces of stone, glass or tile, they combine exquisite colors with intricate designs that can last forever.
Many mosaics from ancient times are still in existence today and beautifully preserved. We are lucky that we can admire these works of art made by artisans who lived centuries or even millennia ago.
In the year 1293, in the church of Santa Maria di Trastevere in Rome, Italian artist Pietro Cavallini created an impressive set of mosaics depicting scenes of the life of the Virgin. The image above represents the scene of the birth of Jesus, complete with Joseph, Mary, infant Jesus, angels, shepherds and animals.
Mosaics are made up of tesserae, small pieces of stone, tile or glass. This close up detail of a shepherd playing a flute and tending his sheep reveals the carefully selected and placed tesserae. The result is a stunning image, rich in color and detail.
Often mosaic artisans covered stone tesserae with gold leaf to great effect, as the background on this detail of the angels shows.
Interior of the church of Santa Maria di Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, with mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries.
A delight for the eyes and for the soul.
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