
Studio del Mosaico Vatican on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
Micro Mosaic & filati vatican in progress on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
This one is about half way done. The picture is underneath and they
then fill it with the tessere (the pieces). The line between the mosaic
and the underdrawing is noticiable on the right.

Van Gogh Micro Mosaic in progress on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
Van Gogh! This will probably sell for thousands of dollars

micro mosaic vatican studio in progress on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
Another one being made. The pope likes to give mosaics to whoever he visits abroad as a present and they also sell these.

Mosaic Smalti and filati on Flickr – by Summer Cannon

Mosaic Smalti on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
colors they had just received that day from Venice. Venice is where they get most of their colors.
lobby mosaic rome on Flickr – by Summer Cannon

Mosaic reproduction lime bed on Flickr – by Summer Cannon
This artist is using an old picture of a long lost mosaic to recreate it.
Mosaic Art Source – more micromosaics in progress at the Vatican Mosaic Studio






















Jeanette is the Lorenzo Scarmani tarsia mosaics fake also?
thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures. does anyone have the contact for the school? i would love to study micro-mosaic during summer 2013. thank you thank you!
Does anyone have any information as to the value of a Franchino micro mosaic.
They were overpriced and misrepresented at the Rome shop by the Vatican. They were not made at the Vatican, and the shop is not owned by the Vatican. They go for about $700-1200 now on eBay.
Jeanette Hanisee, author of MICROMOSAICS
My grandfather purchased a micro mosaic, 70 or 80 years ago, while on tour to Rome and Pompeii. It is approximately 11 by 14 inches inside a very elaborate frame and depicts a woman collecting water from a public fountain marked Pompei..It is signed
A CaPPus Roma..We believe it originated from the Vatican studio, and was hoping someone there could either confirm this..The Tesserae are extremely tiny especially in the facial portion. Anything you could tell me about this would be helpful..
If you send me an image I can give you an opinion.
Jeanette Gabriel
Could someone give me a contact e-mail or fax for the Vatican Mosaic Studio, so I can take an art group to them?
My husband and I purcased a mosaic of the colosseum from Galleria Aurora when we were at the Vatican in April 2000. We paid NZ$5,000 for this (about US$3,000). The artist was Profressor Lorenzo Leonardi of the Vatican Mosaic School. We have faxed and emailed the Galleria several times to obtain a current valuation, but have not had the courtesy of a reply.
Does anybody know where this can be valued. The reference No. is 1868. The title seems to be Mosouca Futarsio Pietre clue “Veoluta del Fou Romans” We were told that the artist was the principal of the Vatican Mosaic School. Is this a scam or has anybody had their mosaic valued and if so how?
Lynn McLeod, Upper Hutt New Zealand
I too would like to have mine appraised and put up for auction. Have you received any info from the gallery yet?
Hi Joan, quite frankly I’ve given up. Especially after reading the string of emails expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of response from the Vatican. Good luck if you continue with your quest
DONATE IT TO THE CHURCH ANN TAKE IT OFF YOUR TAXES
The artist never worked at the Vatican. It is a scam, the same as the mosaics by Franchinos. They are worth what you can get on eBay, depending on the size and subject, probably a few hundred dollars.
Author of MICROMOSAICS
I purchased a mosaic at a Vatican Store in the 1960′s. It is a small Madonna and has a metal V Cassio signature on the bottom edge. How would I find the value of this piece of art? Your help would be appreciated.
I also bought a small mosaic by Virgillio Cassion in the late 60s/early 70s. I would love to know if there is a way to find the value now, did you get any response to your question?
Eliz
Virgilio Cassio is a real artist and you can find the value by sending the image and size to Sotheby’s NY.
Jeanette Gabriel.
I sent an email on 9/25/10 – I am still waiting for a reply. We purchased two Mosaics in the fall of 2000. Oin is a mosaic of tghe Vatican City (approximately valued at $22,000) and one is an angel playing a harp (approximately valued at $8,000). In a move we lost the authentic paper work for these two mosaics that we purchased . At that time the mosaics went on display in Washington, D.C. and we did not actually receive them until about the first week in September, 2001. How can we go about recveiving paperwork for these two amazing mosaics? We took pictures of the mosaics and of the maestro who worked on one of them. We have two phots of these mosaics.
Please respond to this email. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Barb and Kraig Kranz
Hi all. I have a small mosaic which was purchased in 1993 (made in 1992) at the Vatican. Signed by “Scarmani”. A card that came with it shows that he was a teacher at a school who’s name I can not make out. His name is Prof. Lorenzo Scarmani. Anyone have any information on him???
Thanks.
I purchased 2 in 1980, one by Cassio and a smaller one by Frascherelli. I too would like an appraisal, or more information. Also purchased a crucifix for my MIl, all 3 were blessed by Pope John Paul. Where can we find more information?
In 1972 my husband purchased”Madonna del Murillo” from the Studio del Mosaico in S. Pietro in Vaticano. The sales receipt signature appears to be F.Micceri to the best of our knowledge. The size is appr. 28 x 40 plus frame. At the time he was told it was commissioned by Pope John XXIII before his death. Is there any way to get this piece appraised in the NY/NJ area? Does anyone know of reputable appraisers for religious mosaic?
Gloria, have you received any reply to your question? My parents also purchased a mosaic from the same studio a good 10-15 years earlier and am trying to get it valued.
Hi,
Me and wife just bought mosaics done by Giuseppe Cinquegrana. We got them from 2 stores opposite St. Peter’s. They said he worked in the Vatican Mosaic Studio for over 27 years but we could not find any proof of this. Appreciate any comments or advise.
Roswell
I too have a mosaic by Cinquegrana it has the paperwork attached along with a red stamp and the artists’ signature. It is a plaque and the description reads Madonna Azzurra CM.14,5*11 Nicchi. The paper work on the back reads Welcome to the Vatican Mosaic Gallery Works of Art Savelli Arte e Tradizione s.r.l. I can’t find out anything about the artist or the art work. Any information would be appreciated.
clown mosaic by prof r Trave, any idea how much they are worth?
I bought a mosaic from a store at the vatican some years ago
It was done by Prof. R. Trave and on the back of the frame written by hand are the words—16×22 MADONNA del LIPPI
Could anyone advise me as to how I could get a valuation of this work?
Many Thanks,
Ray Eppel
My father bought a mosaic in 1930.The artist name was Lucietto ,The oggetto was Cani.the number was 3273. The other info is Rev Fabbrico di S. Pietro ni Vaticado, studio del musaico. Any idea of an approximate value?
I also have a mosaic by Luciatto, ordine 3353 rev. Fabbrico di S. Pietro Vaticado. oggetto: Pastorella e pecore. can you share any information you have about the value? It’s been difficult to find an appraisal for this. many thanks, roseann grimm
I have a mosaico that I bought at the Vatican in 1982 the artist was Palazzo S.Domca he was a Master artist I would like to find out more about the artist and the picture. Can you helpe with any information ?
Thanks
I aquired a piece of mosaico art which bears your red wax stamp. It is in picture frame and on the front reads V.Del Mecio.. is a picture I believe of the old Roman Collisium…Also writing on the back which is in an language I don’t understand..( sicertifica cbe’u Mosaico ) ( cocossio Del ) ( e’ umco esemplare esequito dall’Artista firma DelMaeis Maestrod’atre mosaicista.. I wish I could send a picture of my treasure.. Can you give me some background of this piece in english please..I live in Canada..Nova Scotia..also Palazzos L GF
My Father purchased a mosaic by artist, Anselmi, back in July 1973 for
$ 3,100.00 from Mondo Cattolico, and have an official statement from the Vatican School of Mosaics with a catologue number of that Mosaic.
The catalog # is 5432A It’s a mosaic of “Christ”.
I am trying to get a value/appraisal on this. Can anyone help?
I have already sent an e-mail to Enzo Aiello.
Please advise.
John Lombard
Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
203-574-2228 ext 12
When in Rome a couple of years ago we purchased a Mosaic done by Roberto Trave who worked at your Studio for 20 years. We purchased it from Galleria Aurora and I believe is titled ‘Venduta d’ Roma’ Mosaic Filsto.
I was wondering how I could ascetain the current value of the mosaic and where I could get additional information about the artist. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thank you,
Ted Sokolowski
My name is Paolo Di Buono, I am the responsible of the Vatican Mosaic Studio.
I would like to understand why did you publish the photos of the Vatican Mosaic Studio without any authorization.
I hope to have soon an explanation by email.
Otherwise we will be obliged to begin a legal procedure in order to remove the photos.
Best regards.
Dear Mr. Di Buono,
I purchased a mosaic in 2001 at Mondo Cattolico by T. Franchino. I was told he was Maestro Mosaicista.
I would appreciate any information on the artist.
Thank you,
Vincent Piscitelli
HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN A REPLY ON THIS MEMO? I TOO BOUGHT A PIECE BY T. FRANCHINO AND HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A REPLY. LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT FRANCHINO MOSAIC.
JOE ADAMO
we were hood winked!!!!!!!!
In the 1970′s I purchased a mosaic from a small shop across the street from St. Peter’s. The mosaic is the face of the Shroud and measures 4 1/4″ wide by 5 1/2″ tall (plus the matt and gold frame). The shop owner said the piece was done by the head of the Vatican Mosaic School, U Cassio. There are brass initials, “UC” in the mosaic. I paid $800 back then. Any idea what it might be worth today? Or where one might find out?
Thank You,
John Osborn
I purchased 3 pieces from the Vatican in 1987 from Virgillio Cassio
I have a a modern piece from his personal works… it is a vase with flowers and two doves of peace on either side. How can I get an appraisal?
Thank you,
Sheree
dID YOU HAVE ANY LUCK GETTING AN APPRAAISAL ON YOUR MOSSIAC. i HAVE ONE BY THE SAMNE ARTIST AND UNTIL YOUR POST DID NOT KNOW HIS FIRST NAME. i THINK WE WERE ALL sucker tourist spent big money and there is no secondary market. anyhow if you learn anything let me know and dI will do likewise Irene Atlanta Georgia
bitte bitte wie machen diese schone micro mosaic filati
bitte und danke Milka in Slowakei
please email Enzo Aiello at info@mosaicartcourses.com with the details, he should be able to help you…
Hi,
i am Enzo Aiello ,
i create new micromosaics in smalti filati and i restore the old ones,also i know very well the history of micromosaic so
i am able to appraise the micromosaic all you are talking about,
please contact me at info@mosaicartcourses.com ,
thank you very much.
Enzo
Buon giorno Sr Aiello,
my wife and I bought a small mosaic from a shop across from the Vatican in 2004. It’s a beautiful piece of work, but we’re afraid we spent too much for it. That is my fault. However, I would still like to know its true worth. The size is approximately 15cm x 20 cm. There is a signature, T. Franchino, but I doubt that is the artisan’s true name. Any information you could provide would be much appreciated.
Grazie mille,
Timm Anderson
Seabrook, Texas
Stati Uniti
Mr. Anderson: My wife and I purchased a mosaic in Feb. 1990 by T Franchino and most likely the same place you purchased yours. We were told he was the Pope”s artist. We paid a sizeable amount for ours and would like to know what the value would actually be today. If you happen to know more would you reply to: Richard Williams – 1556 Highway 97 South, Csntonment, Florida 32533. If you know anything about this artist please send us a note as our E-mail is not working at this time. Thanks
Richard
I too purchased a mosaic at the Mondo Cattolico in 1994. It is signed T. Franchino 1970. It is of the hospital on the Tiber in Rome. It depicts the oldest bridge, old hospital structure and a man rowing a boat.
I too would like to know more about the artist and if he is real.
Karen McCarty
Austin, TX
I would recommend contacting Enzo Aielle regarding Vatican micromosaic appraisals.
A mosaic artist for over 20 years, he started his career in 1987 as an apprentice in the Vatican Studio of Mosaic in Rome.
http://www.mosaicartcourses.com/about.htm
http://www.mosaicartcourses.com/contact.htm
I purchased a mosaic at the Vatican some years ago. It’s a 9.5X 10.5 picture of the Coliseum The name on it is T. Franchino 1952. Any info on it would be helpful…where can I get it appraised
DEAR GEORGE, DID YOU EVER GET ANY INFORMATION ON
T. FRANCHINO….OR AN APPRAISAL…..OR WERE YOU SCAMMED.
DID YOU EVER GET ANY KIND OF INFORMATION OF THE T. FRANCHINO OR WERE WE SCAMMED?
JOE
I too purchased a Franchino at the Vatican in 1997 signed by the artist. I paid thousands and would like to know the value. Were you able to learn anything on this artist and your micro mosaic. Any info would be appreciated.
Barbara
I also purchased a T.Franchino for thousands. I’m afraid we were scammed by a smooth talking sales person. It’s a shame that there isn’t any recourse. I contacted Amex, yet they informed me that I signed for it and nothing could be done.
George, I purchased a T.Franchino for a LOT of money
in 2005; I’m afraid we were scammed by a smooth talking salesperson. I wish we had some recourse. I contacted AMEX but there was no recourse because I signed . IT’s overseas so it’s a no win,
Have a Studio Del Mosaico catalogue No. 6132 (name is “Colombi In Volo”) by V. Cassio, made in 1976.
Any info on how to get in touch with Vincenzo Aiello in Rome (from Greg post above) or how to appraise it? Greg or anyone,Thanks for any info!
Jon
My parents purchased a mini mosiac by V. Cassio from the Vatican Store. I was wondering if you found any information or places where these types of items can be appraised. I would dlove to see this but have no idea of the vaLUE ETC. i LIVE IN aTLANTA gEORGIA
My husband and I got a beautiful mosaic for Christmas and we would like to find out more about it. Where can I find out specifics concerning this artwork? It is of the Madonna delle Grazie.
Jennifer
hi i am Carlo De Martino i come from Amalfi coast and i do mosaics, if you let me know were you buy the mosaic of Madonna delle Grazie and send me a photo of mosaic i let you know something about it. Ciao
Carlo De Martino
I purchased a T. Franchino micromosaic at the Vatican about 15 years ago.
Can you give me an approx. value please? Actual tile is about 4inches x 4inches.
Picture is of the Cupola. Framed is about 9.5 x 10.5 cm
Thank you
Simon, Tom – For appraisal help, check with Rome based mosaicist/instructor Vincenzo Aiello who used to work at the Vatican Mosaic Studio…he’s still in Rome teaching, restoring, and creating new works in marble, smalti, and micromosaic. I studied under him for 2 years now. Greg.
where would you get a mosiac appraised?
We purchased two Mosaics in the fall of 2000. One is a mosaic of the Vatican City (approximately valued at $22,000) and one is an angel playing a harp (approximately valued at $8,000). In a move, we lost the authentic paper work for these two mosaics that we purchased. At that time the mosaics went on a display in Washington, D.C. and we did not actually receive them until about the first week in September, 2001. How
can we go about receiving paperwork for these two amazing mosaics?
Barb
Love the Van Gogh mosaic – nice!
i just purchased a pair of vatican micro mosaic plaques and i believe they are 8″ x 14″ one is a boy and the second one is a lady by a water weel.
they have catolg number on the back of the frame.
how can i find the real value of these plaques.
thank you
simon
look on auction site such as Sotherby’s, Christie’s or Bonham’s in London, England to see what prices they’re going for. Everything in America from Europe seems to have an exagerated price tag on it so prices will differ on where you’d purchased them. Would like to see pictures of them
Regards Jeni