An Italian micromosaic, malachite, lapis lazuli and black marble table top, Roman mid 19th century

the central medallion with a view of St Peter’s Square with a lapis border, surrounded by reserves with views of the Pantheon, Tomb of Cecilia Metella, Temple of Vesta, Forum, Coliseum, Arch of Titus, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Capitoline Hill, with a grey key frieze banded with malachite, all within a later moulded carved giltwood frame

In overall good condition with three areas of losses to malachite , visible in the catalogue photo. Minor rubbing and losses to gilding.
"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."

Views of Roman monuments was the most popular theme used by mosaicists in Rome in the beginning of the 19th century, supplying the flow of wealthy Grand tourists from Northern Europe. From small gold boxes to table tops such as the present top, mosaics were among the most sought after souvenirs  from Italy and several workshops were established in Rome to meet this demand.

Makers such as Michelangelo Barbieri and Cesare Rocchegiani were among the leading mosaicists in Rome in the first half of the 19th century producing these type of pieces and a related table top with a label from Roccheggiani workshop, with views of Rome and a central medallion with Romulus and Remus and Greek key border, appeared on the American market recently.

The views on this top were probably taken from engravings and other examples with the same composition are known, such as the one in the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (inv. Nr 1990.060) and a more complex example in the Gilbert Collection, Victoria & Albert Museum (nr 896:1, 2-2008).