ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ - ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Page 154

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which features stylized faces, linear features and flat
rendering. Only the Pantocrator and SS Nikolaos and
John the Baptist display such tendencies. The two styles
are found in balance in the mosaics of Nea Moni, Chios.
These three monuments are the best examples of the art
of mosaic in the Greek mainland at the time and have
to be attributed to artists from Constantinople. A final
note concerns the narthex mosaics, which display more
dynamism and movement, and anticipate the artistic
evolution of the Comnenian period, with its dramatic
expressions of passion. Thus the narthex decoration
must be slightly later, i.e. early 12th century.
The technique of the Byzantine mosaics
Byzantine mosaics are found in the upper parts of
churches. Lower parts were covered with dado (marble
slabs). Mosaics require long and tiring and thus patient
work. Tesserae were cut from various types of coloured
stone and teracotta, while the generalised use of glass
allowed for vivid colour combinations. Gold and silver
tesserae, made of sheets covered with glue and glass,
the most expensive material.
The preparation of the wall entailed a first insulation layer
of resin. Nails with wide heads were frequently hammered
in the wall in order to hold the plaster layers that followed.
There were three layers, one coarse and hydraulic, and
two finer layers. The last layer accepted the tesserae
according to a sketch that the artist had already drawn
on the wall. Tesserae were put in different angles, in order
to achieve an increased glittering effect. Details, such
as human heads, were first worked on linen sheets and
then placed on the wall as a whole. Contrary to Greek
and Roman mosaics, there was no final polishing of the
surface, because this increased light glittering.
The statue-like figure of Chirst half-sunk in the river Jordan; detail
from the Baptism scene in the northwest squinch of the Daphni
catholicon.