The heyday of mosaic making in Sicily was the age of the independent Norman kingdom in the 12th century. The Norman kings adopted the Byzantine tradition of mosaic decoration to enhance the somewhat dubious legality of their rule. Greek masters working in Sicily developed their own style, that shows the influence of Western European and Islamic artistic tendencies. Best examples of Sicilian mosaic art are the Cappella Palatina of Roger II, the Martorana church in Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. COUNT 5
QSN1 Why did the Normans adopt a Byzantine art style? ANS1 enhance the somewhat dubious legality of their rule QSN2 when was the height of mosaic art in sicily? ANS2 the 12th century QSN3 Who was influenced by Western European and Islamic tendencies? ANS3 Greek masters working in Sicily QSN4 Who adopted the Byzantine mosaic tradition? ANS4 Norman kings QSN5 The Martorana church is an example of the best mosaic art in what part italy? ANS5 Sicily