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| Micromosaic Architectural Brooch Size: Mosaic only : 1 5/16 by 1 inch. Mosaic overall with glass background: 1 11/16 by 1 5/16 inch. Overall with frame: 2 by 1 5/8 inches Materials: Multi-coloured glass tesserae set in a glass basin-bezel and mounted in an 18K gold brooch. Date: ca 1820 Origin: the Vatican, Rome as evidenced by the Vatican workshop hallmark on the back. This is an exceptionally rare and desirable brooch, an oval micromosaic depicting classical buildings. The picture is made from thousands of minuscule glass tiles called tesserae which have been painstakingly inserted into the basin shaped glass bezel by a master craftsman. It was made in Rome circa 1820. Brooches of this type were produced in a workshop in the Vatican during the late 18th and early 19th centuries for sale to tourists making the Grand Tour. The colours are strong and beautiful. The intricate workmanship is exquisite, the design handsome. The stairs as well as the corners of the two flanking buildings are in relief, raised above the background in an effect which cleverly enhances the perspective. The condition of the mosaic is near-mint. It is in as close to its original condition as is possible for a brooch of this age to be. A single tessera is missing near the 8:00 position. There is another minuscule blank space near the center, but this probably is an intentional part of the design and not a missing tile. There are no scratches, cracks or dents on the mosaic. An almost imperceptible air bubble appears under the surface of the glass basin-bezel at 3:00. No facing (i.e., restoration) has ever been applied to the mosaic, leaving the surface in its authentic original condition. Unrestored brooches of this type are very rare and the unaltered state adds to its value. The gold frame is similarly in excellent condition. A very slight dent is noted near the 2:00 position. The chiselled design on the frame is crisp and lovely. The reverse of the brooch has the original pin and C-clasp in excellent condition. There is no pendant bale. The hallmark of the Vatican workshop can be be faintly discerned on the back of the frame. This is a superb piece, exhibiting meticulous craftsmanship and first-rate design. It would sell at retail for $8,000.00 |
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