Geometric Analysis of the Mask Mosaic in Metropolis

Abstract

The present article refers to the geometric analysis of the floor mosaics in a Reception Hall of the ancient city of Metropolis. In the course of this analysis a geometric plan of the mosaic frame was elaborated, while at the same time the geometric shapes and the geometric origin of some floral pattern were revealed and its standard drawing procedure was determined. Using a theoretical argument for the relation between the geometric plan and its execution as well as for the figures’ construction order, preliminary assessments were performed before the measurement. As a consequence significant differences between the ratios of the planned and the measured lengths of the pavement could be detected. It was with the use of these ratios that an estimation of the mosaic sections’ construction order was made. Furthermore, there were observed the reflection of mathematic knowledge in the mosaic, the relation between the repeated figures and the Pythagorean theorem as well as the relation between artistic functions and reasoning methods. It is obvious that mosaic artisans skilfully based their work on a profound knowledge of geometry. In this article is shown that through the geometric analysis of mosaics further scientific results within the fields of mosaic research, restoration and conservation, history of art, history of mathematics and archaeological studies in general can be achieved.

Keywords

• metropolis
• mosaic
• mathematic
• geometry
• analysis