Mosaics in the Medieval World
From Late Antiquity to the Fifteenth Century

In this book, Liz James offers a comprehensive history of wall mosaics produced in the European and Islamic middle ages.

Liz James (Author)

9781107011984, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 5 October 2017

650 pages, 167 b/w illus. 161 colour illus. 12 maps 1 table
28.8 x 22.3 x 3.2 cm, 2.04 kg

'This stunning new book will change the way you look at medieval mosaics … The attention to detail and to making this book useable, with indices, lists of sites and bespoke maps, ensure that this will be a much-consulted book for anyone working on the late antique, early medieval and medieval built environment.' Caroline Goodson, Medieval Archaeology

In this book, Liz James offers a comprehensive history of wall mosaics produced in the European and Islamic middle ages. Taking into account a wide range of issues, including style and iconography, technique and material, and function and patronage, she examines mosaics within their historical context. She asks why the mosaic was such a popular medium and considers how mosaics work as historical 'documents' that tell us about attitudes and beliefs in the medieval world. The book is divided into two part. Part I explores the technical aspects of mosaics, including glass production, labour and materials, and costs. In Part II, James provides a chronological history of mosaics, charting the low and high points of mosaic art up until its abrupt end in the late middle ages. Written in a clear and engaging style, her book will serve as an essential resource for scholars and students of medieval mosaics.

Part I. Making Wall Mosaics: Introduction to Part I
1. Making glass tesserae
2. Making mosaics
3. The business of mosaics
4. The value of mosaics
Part II. Mosaics by Century: Introduction to Part II
5. In the beginning: wall mosaics in the fourth century
6. Types or prototypes? Mosaics in the fifth century
7. Emperors, kings, popes and bishops: mosaics in the sixth century
8. New beginnings? Islam, Byzantium and Rome: mosaics in the seventh and eighth centuries
9. Medium and message: ninth- and tenth-century mosaics
10. A universal language? Eleventh-century mosaics
11. Incorrigibly plural: mosaics in the twelfth century
12. Men and mosaics: the thirteenth century
13. Boom and bust: mosaics in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries
Conclusion
Appendix of sites
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Medieval history [HBLC1], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD], Humanities [H], Mosaics: artworks [AFPM], History of art: Byzantine & Medieval art c 500 CE to c 1400 [ACK], History of art / art & design styles [AC]