An Italian micromosaic panel, Rome, early 19th century

Lot Closed

January 19, 02:06 PM GMT

Estimate

1,500 - 2,500 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property from a European Private Collection

An Italian micromosaic panel, Rome,

early 19th century

circular, depicting the Doves of Pliny, on a square black marble ground and on a later gilt-bronze frame

16cm. high, 16cm. wide; 6½in. (framed); 9.3cm. diam., 3⅝in. (micromosaic roundel)

Gismondi, Paris

The subject of this panel is inspired by ancient mosaics, namely a floor depicting a basket of flowers in the Pio Clementino Museum of Vatican (inv. no. MC0402). The celebrated Roman mosaic, Doves of Pliny, excavated from Hadrian's villa in Tivoli in 1737, is a recurrent motif in 19th century mosaics and it actually proved to be a very popular depiction collected by Grand Tourists as a souvenir from their travel through the city of Rome. An obvious symbol of love as the spring of life, the doves, together with the basket of flowers, are meticulously executed: the light effects and contrasting vibrant colours against the Belgian black marble top create an enchanting trompe l’oeil.