Matthias Pridgeon

The first step in the planning of my recreated Ostia Antica Mosaic was to decide which facet of the original mosaic I should most try to emulate, as that would determine the material and techniques I used. Based on the mosaic I chose, which has many complicated but interesting forms, I wanted to focus on accurately replicating the figures and creatures in the mosaic.

Because of this decision, I decided to utilize a somewhat boring method, but one that will, with time and patience, allow for a very accurate replica to be made. I will be using cardboard cut into small squares, about the size of computer keys, and gluing them to a background for easy transport. Then, I will paint them black and white, to mimic the original color scheme, with extreme attention care when drawing the forms.

The greatest challenge with this method will be the outlining of the shapes. As I mentioned before, the shapes are detailed and complicated, and it will be no small feat to represent them accurately. Though I will only be doing a small portion of the larger mural, I want to recreate the spirit of the piece; doing so will necessitate the recreation of at least a few figures. The picture below is the exact portion of the mosaic I intend to recreate. I choose this portion because I feel that is captures several interesting figures, while remaining achievable in scale for me to recreate. For example, I can capture the central horses which pull the chariot but will not need to draw their full bodies. It may seem strange to cut some figures into pieces, but I feel it adds to my recreation by signaling the viewer that this is merely a portion, and a small one at that, of a massive piece which encapsulates far more figures and forms.

I hope that my recreation will evoke a feeling of the ancient port city. At least for me, the original mural strongly evokes this feeling, through its depiction of many maritime deities and creatures. Part of this feeling of antiquity is also the sense of aged material, of a masterpiece that has been damaged by the passings of the centuries. I want to attempt to recreate this by drybrushing and apply washes (paint mixed with soap and water) to the finished mosaic, to make it appear aged.

For my online influence, I found an interesting tutorial on the creation of aging of vessels to produce a faux antique effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXQ5CZq4JPk (I recommend watching from 7:30-9:37). Her process is incredibly similar to what I plan on using to age the background of my mosaic. The stippling of several shades of colors can produce incredible effects. The video even uses an order of colors similar to my plan, involving a dark splotched base coat following a white priming, then middling tones, and finally a brighter overcoat which adds a vibrancy and contrasts the darker, deeper tones.

For influences, I really wanted to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Doyle, the art teacher here at Calvert Hall. I am in the second year of the art program, and already Mr. Doyle has elucidated so many incredible techniques. If I am thorough and careful, I might hope to make something up to his standards.