We’ve been marking the days of Christmas by looking at some of my favourite  art.  I limited the discussion by stipulating that it must be art I personally experienced in 2016.  (Click here for the first post in this series.)

I am taking creative license with the ‘works of art’ category, and devoting this post to the general category of mosaic tile floors found in countless buildings in Italy.

I am crazy for the floors. The colours, the patterns and the textures are gorgeous. I am sometimes mesmerized. Thank goodness for digital technology, as I have countless photographs of mosaic work..  (Never fear:  I will severely curate.)  Mosaic floors are beautiful.

Roman floors, photo by T. Vatrt

Perhaps, more importantly, they also work on a symbolic level for me.  The floors represent things I value:  good design; the appreciation of craftsmanship; the willingness to spend exorbitant amounts of time creating something beautiful; the recognition that our built environment should be beautiful, and not only utilitarian.

Roman floors, photo by T. Vatrt

Venetian mosaic, photo by T. Vatrt

Roman floors, photo by T. Vatrt

Roman floors, photo by T. Vatrt

Roman floors, photo by T. Vatrt

Granted, most of these images are from churches, or grand residences.  Below is a photo from the ‘back stairs’ in a Venetian convent.  The floors are not nearly as extravagant, but the design is simple, and pleasing.  Consideration for daily life is evident.

Venetian mosaic, photo by T. Vatrt

May we all experience more beauty in our daily lives.