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Why did the indirect method become widely used during the 20th century?
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mosaic
Mosaic floor fragment from a synagogue or church, cut stone with mortar from Israel, late 5th–6th century ce; in the Jewish Museum, New York City.
The indirect method became the most widely used technique for mosaic during the 20th century primarily due to its efficiency and versatility in production.
In this process, the mosaic is preassembled in a workshop by setting the tesserae in reverse onto paper or cloth using glue, before being applied to the final surface. This technique offers several practical advantages:
- Preassembly: It allows for the creation of complex designs in a controlled environment, which can then be transported and installed on various surfaces, including curved areas, cupolas, or apses.1
- Mass Production: Improvements in prefabrication techniques and the manufacture of materials enabled large-scale production, which became common for decorating public buildings, churches, and opera houses.2
- Architectural Integration: The method facilitated the decoration of large, unbroken surfaces in modern architecture, serving as a durable alternative to traditional murals.2
While this method increased output, some critics have noted that the separation of the artist—who creates the design—from the worker—who executes the assembly—can lead to a loss of the personal touch and texture characteristic of earlier, direct-method mosaics.12