Mosaics and Micro Mosaics : Art, Craft and Identities

From the earliest mosaics in 4th century BCE Greece and the Byzantine splendour of Hagia Sophia to the celebratory frieze encircling the Royal Albert Hall, and Eduardo Paolozzi's commission for the London Underground, this book reveals the technical and stylistic evolution of mosaic, and its prominence in political, public and civic spaces. Drawing on a conference at the V&A, supported by the Gilbert Trust for the Arts, this volume provides both a sweeping history of the craft and fascinating insight into key events. These include the competition judged by Titian, Tintoretto, Schiavone and Veronese in 16th century Venice to choose a mosaicist for St Mark's Basilica and the prominence of mosaic in Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The volume also considers the practical - the collection and preservation of micromosaics and also their creation through an interview with Maurizio Fiorvanti, a jeweller who has mastered the technique of micromosaics and continues to create exquisite pieces from his studio in Rome.