Projects
Knossos Dolphin Fresco Mosaic
The commission
A 90-inch bathroom backsplash
The brief was to translate the dolphin fresco associated with the Palace of Knossos into a custom mosaic panel for a bathroom. The finished artwork sits beneath the window and above the tub, framed by the room’s woodwork.
Marble & smalti
Hand-cut smalti forms the blue dolphins, colorful fish and flowing water lines. A light marble background brings natural stone variation to the composition. Each piece follows the drawing, preserving the curves and movement of the marine scene.
From fresco to mosaic
This is a modern commission inspired by a historical fresco—not an ancient mosaic or a restoration of the palace. Our studio adapted the composition to the panel’s dimensions and translated the painted forms into hand-cut glass and stone.
Drawing & fabrication
The line drawing establishes the full composition before cutting begins. These studio photographs show the dolphins and water lines taking shape, followed by the marble background and completed panel.
The close views reveal how small changes in the cut pieces define the eye, mouth, fins and flowing contours.
Historical inspiration
The dolphin fresco is associated with the Queen’s Megaron at the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Its marine imagery provided the starting point for this commissioned mosaic.
The historical reference shown below is separate from the Mosaiclegs artwork photographed above.
Material sample
A small dolphin study lets the team review the glass colors, marble background and hand-cut detail before committing to the full composition. Samples make material decisions more concrete than photographs alone.
Plan your custom mosaic
Have a historical reference, marine motif or original design in mind? Send your dimensions and project details for our studio to review, or call (323) 389-5347.