A fine micromosaic and specimen marble table top Italy, circa 1875

For another bird and flower inlaid table top see Anna Maria Giusti, Pietre Dure Hardstone in Furniture and Decorations, London, 1992, p. 206;
Art of the Royal Court, Treasures in Pietre Dure... Metropolitan Museum exhibition, 2008, p. 182 and 290.

In good condition with strong coloration throughout. Light surface wear and residue consistent with age and use. Iron cross-brace to the underside for support. Few areas of minor loss to the inlay along foliate vines.
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.

This unusual table is in the tradition of the pietre dure tables produced in the 17th and early 18th century in the Royal workshops Galleria dei Lavori or Grand-Ducal Workshop in Florence begun under the Medici. The tabletop has a flowing, garden-like theme of specimen hardstones arranged almost like stepping stones, interspersed with micromosaic flowers, bouquets, insects, and birds. The flowers include roses, peonies, convolvulus or morning glory, tulip and jasmine. The trio of birds in the center of the table are European goldfinches, and it is these, together with the butterflies found on the early Florentine mosaic tables and cabinets, that were the iconographic source for Giacomo Raffaelli's many micromosaic goldfinches and butterflies.

We are grateful to Jeanette Gabriel for her assistance in cataloguing this lot. Her latest book, Micromosaics in Private Collections, has just recently published.