| The Direct Method |
The Direct Method is the most traditional and it has been used in
mosaic art since early times.
Tesserae are embedded in a setting bed of synthetic resin binder, lime or cement mortar,
which is applied in sections of suitable size for approx. 12h.
It is possible to work directly on wall, floor or in the studio using a
movable support or cement slabs broken down into sections.
This method enables surface variety to be achieved by adjusting the depth of setting of
the tesserae.
Hovewer a learned and skillful mosaicist is needed
because, after the binder has set, it is no longer possible or vary the rows of tesserae.
This is the most currently used method
adopted in the schools and studios of Ravenna. |
| The Indirect Method |
In Italy and especially in Ravenna, some mosaicists apply this
method for an accurate execution and
detailed designs. Tesserae are first set into a shallow bed of lime mortar, clay,
plastiline or moist sand.
After the completed work has dried one or two layers of gauze are applied to its surface
using a water-soluble glue.
The work is then eased from the temporary bed and every trace of mortar is removed from
the back of the tesserae.
After relaying the work on a new permanent setting bed, the facing is taken off with
plenty of hot water.
The advantage of this method is that the tesserae are set at different angles while
correction and adjustments are feasable at several stages of operation.
Sometimes, when the work is finished, the facing or another sheet of paper is applied to
facilitate the lifting process. |
| The Reverse Method |
This method is applied to detailed designs that require an accurate
execution.
Tesserae are set into a shallow bed of lime mortar, clay, plastiline or moist sand. When
the completed work has dried, one or two layers of gauze are applied to its surface using
a water-soluble glue.
Afterwards the gauze is torn off and every trace of mortar is removed from the back of
tesserae.
Then relaying the work on a new permanent setting bed, the facing is taken off with plenty
of hot water. In Italy and especially in Ravenna, this method is
employed to make ancient reproductions. |
|
