Antique Gold Brooch with Micromosaic of the Roman Forum, Rome c. 1870

This excellent 19th century souvenir brooch, probably a souvenir from a Grand Tour, presents a round micromosaic in a high-carat gold setting decorated with delicate cords. Against a sky-blue glass background, we see one of Rome's most famous sights: the Roman Forum. Once the undisputed center of the Roman Empire, we see the area here in ruins: symbols of the transience of all earthly power and splendor. A large number of ancient monuments of the Forum are depicted on the small mosaic with impressive sophistication and attention to detail. From the foot of the Capitoline Hill, the view is to the east: we recognize the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus on the left edge, while the columns of the temples of Saturn and the deified emperor Vespasian rise up on the right edge. A single, more distant column can be seen in the center. It was erected in 608 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Phocas and is the last ancient monument to be added to the Forum. The mosaic was probably created in the famous Vatican workshops around 1870. The so-called archaeological style supports the dating. In its exquisite fineness and with its beautiful motif, the brooch is a beautiful addition to any collection - and at the same time a piece of jewelry that can still be worn today on special occasions!

Estimate:£1,681.87

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