A pair of Italian micromosaic, malachite and marble panels attributed to Cesare Roccheggiani (fl. second half 19th century), Roman second half 19th century

of rectangular form with a concave border and curved corners, with a central oval micromosaic, one depicting the Colosseum, a fountain to the front of it and to the right the Arch of Titus, the other depicting a view of The Roman Forum, with the ruins of the Arch of Septimius Severus and three surviving Corinthian columns of the Temples of Vespasian and to the right the Temple of Saturn, between the latter two monuments the column of Foca and in the distance the Arch of Titus and the Colossseum, both within a malachite strapwork panel on a black marble ground

In overall very good original condition.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection, Micromosaics, London, 2000,p. 118, no. 59 (1996.321 (MM225) and p. 289.

Whilst many micromosaics were made in the 18th and 19th centuries depicting the celebrated Roman monuments by various makers, this pair of panels in terms of their form, design and execution bear striking similarities to a pair of black marble panels signed Cesare Roccheggiani, Rome on an étagère jewellery case in the Gilbert Collection illustrated by Gabriel op. cit., p. 118, no. 59. The Gilbert panels are of identical form inlaid with a malachite strapwork reserve with a central oval mosaic with views of Roman monuments-one St. Peter's Square, the other a view of the Forum. 

Cesare Roccheggiani was a master mosaicist who was active at the Vatican Mosaic Workshop from 1856 to 1864 and he later had his own workshop near the Piazza di Spagna in Rome at 125 via del Barbuino and then at 14-15 via Condotti in the second half of the 19th century. He had several family members who were also mosaicists including Lorenzo, who was a principal artist in the Vatican from 1770-75, his son Nicola who was listed as principal artist from 1816 and Antonio, possibly the brother of Cesare, was at the Vatican Workshop and worked in Rome privately at the same time as Cesare.