MOSAICI PAVIMENTALI ROMANICI: I CASI DI ACQUANEGRA SUL CHIESE (MN) E NOVARA. ICONOGRAFIA E SPAZIO LITURGICO.

The topic of the present research is focused on two case studies of mosaic pavements situated in an abbey and a cathedral in the North of Italy: S. Tommaso in Acquanegra sul Chiese (Mn) and S. Maria in Novara. Their antique pavements were ornamented with several figures, realized with the opus tessellatum technique, that show bounds to contemporary illuminations and mural paintings. The analysis is not only focused on stylistic and art historical aspects of these works but considers the mosaics as historical witnesses in order to understand the religious buildings where they were realized. In particular, the specific mosaic organisation case were investigated in relation with the liturgical spaces, i.e. the architectonical areas committed to the development of acts during celebrations. Moreover was investigated the symbolism of the iconographical programs that allowed to recognize the existence of symbolic directions within the church buildings. Some "graphical reconstruction" of the mosaic pavements and their churches are given (also in 3D).