 |
| Size Mosaic only: 1 1/16 by 13/16 inches Mosaic with glass background: 1 1/4 by 1 1/16 inches Overall with frame: 1 9/16 by 1 5/16 inches Materials: Multi-coloured glass tiles set in a glass basin-bezel and mounted in a silver frame Date and Origin: The mosaic was made ca 1850 in Rome. The frame may be of British or British Raj Indian manufacture. This is a very desirable architectural micromosaic brooch. Oval in shape, it depicts St Peter's Square at the Vatican in Rome. The view is of the Basilica, with Bernini's elliptical colonnades to the sides and the obelisk erected by Pope Sixtus V in the center. The picture is comprised of hundreds of minuscule glass tiles called tesserae which have been painstakingly inserted into the basin-shaped glass bezel by a master craftsman. The micromosaic was made in Rome circa 1850. Mosaics of this type were produced in a workshop in the Vatican during the late 18th through the early 20th centuries for sale to tourists making the Grand Tour. The golden age of these mosaics was from the late 18th to the latter half of the 19th centuries. The colours of the mosaic are strong and beautiful. The intricate workmanship is exquisite, the design handsome. The edges of the scene 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 150-year-old brooch to be. A single tessera could be damaged at the 9:00 position. There are no scratches, cracks or dents on the mosaic. 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 silver frame, which is in excellent condition, is exceptionally well-made and attractive. It was probably manufactured in England or in India under the British Raj. It features a spiky, gothic-revival design with a twisted wire detail. 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. This is an excellent piece, exhibiting meticulous craftsmanship and first-rate design. It would sell at retail for $3,500.00 |
 |
 |