Mosaics and Micro Mosaics

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.