The One Thing That Defines Classical Andamento in Roman Mosaics

If you’ve ever looked at a Roman mosaic and felt like something just clicked — as if the design had an effortless flow — you were likely seeing Classical Andamento done right. But what happens when those rules are ignored?

That’s exactly what these two flowcharts illustrate.

Two Flowcharts, One Key Difference

Below, you’ll see two versions of a simple mosaic structure.

✅ The first follows the six rules of Classical Andamento — the system Roman artisans used to create mosaics that were both beautiful and structurally sound.

❌ The second shows what happens when those rules are ignored or misunderstood — lines break down, shapes lose their cohesion, and the movement that makes mosaics come alive is lost.

What’s the One Thing to Take Away?

It’s not about memorizing six rules. It’s about understanding why they exist in the first place.

Classical Andamento isn’t just about making something look neat — it’s about creating harmony in a mosaic. When the rules are followed, the design guides your eye smoothly across the work. When they’re broken, things feel off — even if you can’t quite explain why.

What You Can Do With This Insight

1️⃣ Study the first flowchart. Notice how every line, curve, and transition works together.

2️⃣ Compare it to the second. Spot the places where the structure falls apart.

3️⃣ Apply it to your own work. Even if you’re making modern mosaics, these principles help create strong, flowing designs.

And if you want to go deeper, I’m working on a Classical Andamento Workbook that will break this down into practical steps. Stay tuned.

This one shift in thinking — seeing Andamento as a system of movement rather than just rules — can make all the difference.

Take a look at the charts. What stands out to you? Let me know in the comments.