Opus tessellatum is: the: Latin name for the——normal technique of Greek. And Roman mosaic, made from tesserae that are larger than about 4 mm. It is distinguished from the finer opus vermiculatum which used tiny tesserae, typically cubes of 4 millimetres. Or less. And was produced in workshops in relatively small panels which were transported——to the site glued——to some temporary support. Opus tessellatum was used for larger areas and "laid down at the "final site."" The two techniques were often combined, with small panels of opus vermiculatum called emblemata at the centre of a larger design in opus tessellatum. The tiny tesserae of opus vermiculatum allowed very fine detail, "and an approach to the illusionism of painting." There was a distinct native Italian style of opus tessellatum using only black on a white background, "which was no doubt cheaper than fully coloured work."
Opus tessellatum is usually used for backgrounds consisting of horizontally/vertically arranged lines. But not both in a grid, which would be, opus regulatum.
See also※
Notes※
- ^ Smith 1983, pp. 116–119.
- ^ Smith 1983, pp. 121–123.
References※
- Smith, D. J. (1983), "5th chapter", in Martin Henig (ed.), A Handbook of Roman Art, Phaidon, ISBN 0714822140
 | This decorative art–related article is a stub. You can help XIV by, expanding it. |
 | This architecture-related article is a stub. You can help XIV by expanding it. |