What are the characteristics of Byzantine mosaic?

Mosaic painting is the most Byzantine art form. Because this painting uses natural colored stones, its colorful colors can be maintained forever, which enables us to enjoy this impressive work of art among many Byzantine relics. Most people think that mosaics were invented by Byzantines, because among a large number of existing mosaics, Byzantine works are the most abundant and have the highest level of craftsmanship, but the real birthplace of this art form is Greece in classical times. Mosaic appeared as early as in ancient Greece, and floors decorated with mosaics can be seen in many ancient Greek sites. Mosaic was widely used in public squares and markets during the Roman Empire. Byzantine artists inherited the ancient artistic tradition, not only continued to decorate mosaics on the horizontal ground, but also used mosaics on the vertical walls. The basic material of mosaic painting is small natural colored stones cut into various shapes and sizes, with a surface area of about 1 cm 2. Sometimes stained glass fragments can also replace rare stones. The artist first sketches the outline and picture lines of the painted object on the flat gypsum base, and then pastes colored stones and glass blocks according to the needs of color. Finally, he filled the background blank with gold coins. Mosaic finally polished, shining in the light, even in dim candlelight. St Vitaly's Church in the Italian city of Lavaine preserves the best Byzantine mosaics in the world. The large mosaics decorated on both sides of the central hall of the church are portraits of Emperor Justinian I, Queen Tiodola and courtiers, which are still colorful and dazzling under the light.

The mosaic floor in the late Roman attic era "Dionysian binge drinking" (Princeton 3rd century antique, USA).