This autumn, an entire space is dedicated to the art of micromosaics. Micromosaics were first made in Mesopotamia some 6,000 years ago. This long surviving technique became a decorative art and was used in jewellery in the late 18th century. It has a large presence in Switzerland and GemGenève will make it fashionable again and reveal all its facets.
Although the term «micromosaic» is nowadays associated with mosaics created since the late 18th century, the drive to produce the finest mosaics possible with practically miniature glass (or stone) elements, was already to be found in the ancient world.
Exhibition
From Switzerland to Italy, from Villa Boscéaz to the Gilbert Collection at the V&A Museum, from the Doves of Pliny to the The Dream of Karpa Koï bracelet by Maurizio Fioravanti, the Micromosaics through the ages exhibition offers visitors an overview of this art and lost expertise through unpretentious scenography.
The exhibition combines fragments of Roman mosaics from the Avenches archaeological site (Switzerland) and geometric motifs from one of the magnificent mosaics from the Villa Boscéaz site near Orbe (Switzerland), with pieces of late 18th – early 19th century jewellery including micromosaics in figurative elements typical of the Grand Tour period and fashion of the time. In addition, there will be some simply exceptional pieces from the contemporary micromosaic artist Maurizio Fioravanti (Vamgard); thereby tracing the line across almost 2,000 years of expertise.
Micromosaic parure, circa 1809
