Antique Micromosaic With The Piazza San Pietro In A Silver Frame From

The origin of the art of micromosaic lies in Rome. More precisely, in the Vatican, where a workshop for mosaics made of glass stones had existed since the 16th century. Initially, this was used to reproduce the altarpieces installed in St. Peter's Basilica in a permanent form - as protection against candle soot, moisture and the dirt carried into the church by the many pilgrims. Once this task had been completed, copies of the paintings and large-format mosaic landscapes were created. The idea of using this ultimately antique technique for jewellery and decorative art objects emerged towards the end of the 18th century. In the course of the Grand Tour, numerous travelers from northern Europe arrived in the city and created a great demand for portable souvenirs. A new art form developed to meet this market: micromosaics. They were small, portable and therefore ideal for taking home with you. As they often depicted the beauties of Rome or motifs from antiquity, their success as travel souvenirs is hardly surprising. Here we are looking from a slightly elevated position at St. Peter's Basilica with the square in front of it and the colonnades by Gianlorenzo Bernini. On the right in the background we can see the papal palace and in the middle, casting a large shadow, the ancient obelisk. According to tradition, Caesar's ashes are at the top of the obelisk. In addition, a visit to the obelisk grants Indulgenza plenaria, i.e. plenary indulgence, if you touch it. The depiction is made of tiny glass stones, finely graded in colour and extremely rich in detail. It was created in Rome, probably in the 1860s. Unfortunately, it came to us without a setting. Our goldsmiths have therefore added a setting to the mosaic in the style of the time. It is made of silver and turns the mosaic into a brooch.

Estimate:£1,095.76

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