A micromosaic panel, Antonio Aguatti, Rome, circa 1820-40

rectangular, representing the waterfalls of Tivoli, signed: aguatti, later mounted as a brooch in a gold openwork frame with silver-gilt back, circa 1860, in a later brass-mounted wood case

frame lacking gold leaf ornament. One or two tesserae missing, some piting, patch of restoration in sky, surface generally slightly rough.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Antonio Aguatti (?- circa 1846) was considered one of the leading Roman micromosaic artists during the first half of the 19th century. His technical improvements made it possible to cut each glass section in various sizes and shapes and also to meld various shades of colour in one rod. His workshop was located in the Piazza di Spagna, no. 96. In 1834, Aguatti was appointed professor of the Studio Vaticano del Mosaico. He seems to have worked on micromosaics of all sizes, such as a large panel representing the Entombment after a painting by Caravaggio, measuring almost 43cm high, (Mosaici Minuti Romani del 700 e dell'800, exhibition catalogue 1986, Rome, fig. 49) to small plaques such as the present example and a circular plaque representing a leopard (Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection – Micromosaics, London 2000, no. 24).