attributed to the Vatican Workshop "APOLLO CHARIOTEER" A MICROMOSAIC PLAQUE AFTER RAPHAEL Rome, circa 1810

Gilt background later.

Overall in fair condition. The micromosaics is set within a bronze casing. the plaque rendered with very fine micromosaic tesserae, showing very minute losses. The gold background is uneven in places, and not consistently flush with the micromosaic., and one cannot guarantee that the plaques were born as they present today. The gold ground is not comprised of individual tesserae, but is in fact a solid layer of glass painted with gold on the reverse and with an etched grid pattern to the front, mimicking the effect of mosaic.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present micromosaic and the five micromosaic roundels offered in the preceding lot all depict mythological charioteers:  Jupiter drawn by eagles, Apollo by two or four horses, Diana by two nymphs, Venus by doves and Saturn by winged snakes.  These images are generally considered to be after the artist Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael (1483-1520).