Enamel mosaics

Technique

The main characteristic of the enamel mosaic is its brightness, which can be more or less intense depending on the presence of lead oxide, which also affects the color tones and the ease of cutting without chipping the tiles. Enamel is often used in Byzantine-era mosaics, especially to produce icons.

Production

1) The tiles, usually of Murano enameled glass, are four sided. During the execution of the work, they can be adapted to the design, cut using a small hammer and a chisel attached to a block of wood.
2) The tiles are then applied with pincers.
3) There are two production methods that can be followed: the indirect and direct method. In the direct method, the tiles are adhered upside down on paper or canvas, creating a sort of negative of the subject. Then, the mosaic is turned over and laid on a layer of adhesive and cement to fill in all the spaces between the tiles. Last, the main support is removed to reveal the mosaic. The direct method is simpler: the tiles are adhered directly on the support. Sometimes, both techniques are used on the same work, called a double method.
4) In large mosaics, the total area is divided into smaller sections that are easier to handle. On site, the joints need to be concealed during assembly.