A striking technical innovation of the Komnenian period was the production of very precious, miniature mosaic icons. In these icons the small tesserae (with sides of 1 mm or less) were set on wax or resin on a wooden panel. These products of extraordinary craftmanship were intended for private devotion. The Louvre Transfiguration is a very fine example from the late 12th century. The miniature mosaic of Christ in the Museo Nazionale at Florence illustrates the more gentle, humanistic conception of Christ which appeared in the 12th century. COUNT 4
QSN1 How big were the tesserae in the Komnenian period miniature mosaic icons? ANS1 1 mm or less QSN2 What were the tesserae usually set in for miniature mosaic icons? ANS2 wax or resin QSN3 The more humanistic conception of Christ appeared when? ANS3 in the 12th century QSN4 What was the intended purpose of the miniature mosaic icons? ANS4 private devotion