A well-defined flat model of a supported homogeneous polyolefin catalyst is prepared on the basis of an immobilized bis(imino)pyridyl iron complex on a super flat silica surface. The amount of supported catalyst precursor is quantified using XPS. This model catalyst remains active over extended periods, i.e., an average activity of 0.25 x 10(3) kg PE . (mol(Cat) . h . bar)(-1) is obtained for 24 h of ethylene polymerization. The morphology of the nascent polyethylene film is investigated by SEM.