MosaicBlues: October 2014 .entry-content { font-size:25px !important; }

Friday, October 24, 2014

Christian Lacroix's Theodora

in 2008, fashionista Christian Lacroix teamed up with Sicis, a remarkable art mosaic manufacturer based in Ravenna, world capital of mosaics and home to some of the most beautiful 6th Century basilicas and Byzantine mosaics.


San Vitale Basilica Ravenna, Italy.


Supposedly inspired by the gorgeous mosaics of the San Vitale Basilica, Mr Lacroix designed a line of Furniture for Sicis.



The colours and designs of the rich and beautiful fabrics Mr Lacroix used would very likely have been in favour at Justinian's court. 

And as a leitmotiv to this collection, he revisited the actual 6th century portrait of Justinan's wife the late Empress Theodora.
 

Christian Lacroix' Theodora


And to tell you the truth, I have a problem with that !


The original Theodora mosaic.


Now consider the original 6th century mosaic right above. It is true that its Byzantine style is a little static and that the expression of the great Empress lacks the life a more classical 2nd century Roman mosaic would have shown. 

Still, this older Theodora is dignified. Clearly, the craftmen who designed and realized her were masters of their art. 
In contrast to her, the new Theodora looks totally out of touch with the world, and it could have been drawn by any 7th grader armed of a pair of scissors and a stick of glue. 



The actual Theodora exercised considerable influence in the Empire. Her name is mentioned in nearly all the laws passed during that period. She would receive foreign envoys and corresponded with foreign rulers, both functions usually reserved for the emperor. Her influence in political affairs was decisive : during the Nika revolt of 532 when 2 political factions had united in their opposition to the government and set up a rival emperor. Justinian’s advisers urged him to flee, but Theodora advised him to stay and save his empire, whereupon Justinian’s general herded the rioters into the Hippodrome and cut them to pieces. 
She was also one of the first rulers to establish the rights of women, passing strict laws to prohibit the traffic of young girls and altering the divorce laws to give greater benefits to women. 


Replacing this great Empress' dignified features by those of a modern bimbo is a farce in bad taste !

I suppose I respect the work of the ancient masters too much. I just cannot understand why you would inspire yourself of something as gorgeous as this :





to transform it into this : 






I know this is not artistically correct.  I should not be ranting about the work of a famous and respected artist... Still, I had to express my profound disapproval in front of such arrogance.





How do YOU feel about this ? 


Genial creation, or Worthless betrayal ?

 
Please comment ! 



I am a modern mosaic artist. I admire ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Arts and my mosaics are often inspired by the work of ancient masters. You can visit my site at mosaicblues  If you are interested by my works, or would like to drop me a line please contact me by email at frederic.lecut@gmail.com or by phone at (334) 798 1639.





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Saturday, October 18, 2014

Mosaic and Haute Couture - Dolce & Gabana - Part Trois


This will be my final post about the Dolce & Gabbana Collection inspired by Byzantine mosaics and introduced to the world of Haute Couture in the Fall 2013.



Theodora Handbag




Empress Theodora mosaic (San Vitale Basilica)




D&G traveled to mosaic adorned churches across Italy, the Cefalu Cathedral in Sicily, the amazing San Vitale Basilica in Ravenna as well as other churches mostly located in Sicily.


Madonna Dress
 
The Cefalu Madonna Mosaic



During the Renaissance, Italian painters were inspired by Roman Frescoes and Mosaics created 13 centuries before them.  In our 21st century, fashion designers are still inspired by the work of artists who created 15 centuries before us. 



 
I am a modern mosaic artist who greatly admire Roman and Byzantine Art. My mosaics are often inspired by the works of ancient masters. You can visit my site at mosaicblues  If you are interested by my work, please contact me by email at frederic.lecut@gmail.com or by phone at (334) 798 1639.





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In which I keep you informed of my work, techniques, history and archaeology of mosaics.




Saturday, October 11, 2014

Mosaic and Haute Couture - Dolce & Gabana - Part Deux


This is a second post about the influence of ancient mosaics in modern art; more specifically of Byzantine Mosaics on 21st century Haute Couture fashion.



At the Fall 2013 Milan Fashion Week Dolce & Gabbana introduced a collection inspired by Italian Byzantine Mosaics.


Lion Dress


The Actual Lion mosaic from the Palatine Chapel


D&G traveled to mosaic adorned churches across Italy : the Cefalu Cathedral, the Cappela Palatina, La Martorana, and the Duomo Monreale in Sicily and the San Vitale Basilic in Ravenna




Justinian Handbag




The Actual Justinian mosaic (San Vitale Basilica)






These Byzantine style mosaics were created from the end of the Roman Empire in the 6th to the 12th century during the reigns of Sicilian Kings Roger II and William II.


During the Renaissance, Italian painters were inspired by Roman Frescoes and Mosaics created 13 centuries before them.  In our 21st century, fashion designers are inspired by the work of artists who created 15 centuries ago !




 
I hope you enjoyed this post. I am a modern mosaic artist, with great admiration for our Roman and Byzantine Art. I create modern mosaics inspired by the work of ancient masters. You can visit my site at mosaicblues  If you are interested by my works, please contact me by email at frederic.lecut@gmail.com or by phone at (334) 798 1639.





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In which I keep you informed of my work, techniques, history and archaeology of mosaics. 


Friday, October 3, 2014

Mosaic and Haute Couture - Dolce & Gabana - I

I try in this blog to tell you about historical, aesthetical and technical aspects of actual mosaics, but "Une fois n'est pas coutume" like we say where I come from, today I want to address the question of the influence of ancient mosaics in modern art; more specifically in Haute Couture fashion art.


At the Fall 2013 Milan Fashion Week Dolce & Gabbana introduced a collection inspired by Italian Byzantine Mosaics.


King Solomon Dress

King Solomon mosaic, Duomo Monreale,  Sicily

D&G traveled to mosaic adorned churches across the Italy, mosty in Sicily : from the Cefalu Cathedral, the Palatine Chapel, La Martorana, and the Duomo Monreale. 


Blue Angel Dress


Blue Angel, Cefalu Cathedral, Sicily


These Byzantine style mosaics were created during the 12th century during the reigns of Sicilian Kings Roger II and William II.

History has a way to always repeat itself (I wish politicians would remember that); during the Renaissance, Italian painters were inspired by Roman Frescoes and Mosaics created 13 centuries before them.  In our 21st century, fashion designers are inspired by the work of artists who created 10 centuries before us. 

Next week, I will show and tell more about the sources for D&G collections, some much older than the 12th century ! 
 
I hope you enjoy this post. I am a mosaic artist, with great admiration for our Roman and Byzantine Art. I create modern mosaics often inspired by the ancient masters. You can visit my site at mosaicblues  If you are interested by my works, please contact me by email at frederic.lecut@gmail.com or by phone at (334) 798 1639.


You may also want to



In which I keep you informed of my work, techniques, history and archaeology of mosaics.