Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 10/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was given a 6 7/8 in X 5" (roughly) "portrait" that can only be described as a flat mosiac of the Ponte Vecchio brifge in florence.
On the back is the name Menegath Leopololo and the inscription  Firenze (I assume that means fired) 17-10-44

From all the searching I've done I question whether the term flat modiac is correct.

ANSWER: Hello Paul - and thank you for your question.  Firenze is Italian for Florence -- and if your image is of the Ponte Vecchio, it's entirely appropriate!  As to a 'flat mosaic' - well, mosacis are flat (small tiles embedded in a fixing agent - plaster, concrete, glue) so it is an appropriate term -- although I have never used it myself.  Mosaic work is usually (in art historical terms) found on the ceilings and apses of Byzantine and Italian Romanesque churches and is, most certainly, quite flat!  Hope this helps.
Cheers
Jeni

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You Jeni,

Just to clarify though, when I mean flat, in this case the entire surface is smooth like a single piece of glass. There is no "grout" or beveled edges So I'm not entirely sure I'm referring to the art form correctly.
It's too bad this system does not allow for tranfer of images. I'm sure the answers for you would be easier.
Feeling stupid about Firenze...spent a week there a few years back. You'd think I would have remembered. LOL

Answer
Hi Paul - thanks for your clarification.  I think 'tile' is probably the best descriptor for your piece - you can have glass or ceramic tiles and since it is of one piece, without grouting, then I'd be fairly satisfied with 'tile' (although it lacks the romanticism of 'mosaic'!)  Whatever - hope you enjoy it as a fond memory of Firenze (another bottle of pinot grigio, please.. and the memories of my summer in Florence come flooding back .. ah joy!)  Cheers, Jeni