The Empress Mosaic Project

A living homage to Empress Theodora of Byzantium, power, faith, and an early advocate for women’s dignity, reimagined in glass and light.

Work-in-progress view of The Empress Mosaic in the gallery studio. Work-in-progress view of The Empress Mosaic in the gallery studio. Work-in-progress view of The Empress Mosaic in the gallery studio.
Work in progress at The Collector’s Room studio.

Medium: Stained glass mosaic Status: In progress Public viewing: In-gallery

Work period: Early October 2025 → December 4, 2025
Exhibition: On display through January 31, 2026
For sale: January 27, 2026

% complete (estimate)
Why Theodora? Her reign embodies courage, intellect, and concrete action toward the dignity of women in a world that rarely granted it. This mosaic honors that legacy while reviving the splendor of Byzantine visual language for a modern audience.

About the Artwork

Inspired by the 6th-century portrait in Ravenna’s Basilica of San Vitale, The Empress Mosaic reunites beauty, symbolism, and craft. Rather than full tile cutting, each glass tessera is selectively snipped for fit and variation, then set to echo the rhythm of Byzantine mosaics while embracing contemporary methods.

The composition centers on Theodora’s poise and presence: a sovereign whose influence and reforms helped elevate protections for women and the vulnerable. Here, history, faith, and feminine strength meet in a field of luminous glass.

Research-informed practice: Palette, grout tone, and light-handling draw on contemporary analyses of Byzantine tesserae, composition, colorants, and non-destructive study methods, so the visual effect honors historical technique while speaking in a modern voice.1–3

Process & Materials

  • Glass: Mixed stained glass selected for color, translucency, and light play.
  • Method: Pre-sized tesserae, selectively snipped for organic irregularity and flow.
  • Adhesion & Grout: Archival mosaic adhesives and grout tuned for contrast and iconography.
  • Substrate: Rigid, mosaic-suitable backer panel for long-term display.
  • Scale: Approximately 3 ft × 5 ft finished dimensions.

Materials may be refined during construction for longevity and aesthetic harmony.

Timeline

  1. Early Oct 2025: Project start
  2. Dec 4, 2025: Creation period concludes
  3. Through Jan 31, 2026: Public display
  4. Jan 27, 2026: Work becomes available for purchase

Visit & Observe

Visitors are welcome to view the work in progress at the gallery. When the artist is active at the bench, you may see live placement sessions and ask questions about technique, history, or symbolism.

Location: The Collector’s Room, Green Gate Village · St. George
Contact: info@crgallery.com · (435) 313-4532

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this “hand-cut” glass?
The mosaic uses pre-sized stained glass pieces that are snipped and shaped as needed to achieve organic variation and a faithful visual rhythm, without full custom cutting of every tessera.
Can I see it in person while it’s being made?
Yes. The work is built on-site. Drop by during open hours, active studio times vary.
Will there be prints or reproductions?
Originals are the focus of the gallery. Any reproductions or media use will follow our artist and gallery policies.

Progress Gallery

Early layout of tesserae for the Empress's robe.
Early layout studies for garment patterning.
Close-up of glass tesserae with subtle iridescence.
Glass selection tests for shimmer and contrast.

Add or replace images anytime, filenames are placeholders.

References

  1. Neri, E.; Jackson, M.; O’Hea, M.; Gregory, T.; Blet-Lemarquand, M.; Schibille, N. (2017). Analyses of glass tesserae from Kilise Tepe: New insights into an early Byzantine production technology. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 11, 600–612. ScienceDirect
  2. Dal Bianco, B.; Russo, U. (2012). Basilica of San Marco (Venice, Italy/Byzantine period): Nondestructive investigation on the glass mosaic tesserae. Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids 358(2), 368–378. ScienceDirect
  3. Bonnerot, O.; Ceglia, A.; Michaelides, D. (2016). Technology and materials of Early Christian Cypriot wall mosaics. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 7, 649–661. ScienceDirect

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