We do not see a lot of original marble mosaic tiles in Harlem but noticed that a friend's brownstone entrance had the artisan touch still intact on a recent visit to the Mount Morris Park Historic District. By the turn of the century (when most of townhouses were built over former farmland), manufactured hex or penny tiles came into fashion because they were more affordable and mass produced. The marble tiles probably indicate either an older house or one that the developer invested more money into. One tell-tale detail of this type of finishing is that each of the squares are uniquely different in size and the overall look reflects the original classical mosaics that they were inspired by.
Fine detailed work that speaks of a truly skilled artisan with much patience. Great post.
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