Archaeological Revival Gold and Micromosaic Necklace, circa 1870

Decorated with six circular micromosaics depicting peasants at various pursuits in landscape settings, within borders of twisted wire, each supporting three pendant drops, supported on a necklace of gold tubular mesh, length 19 inches. With fitted leather box. 

Micromosaic scenes of peasants in regional folk costumes are earlier and rarer than scenes of ancient monuments or doves. The mosaics in the present necklace would appear to be of earlier date than the mounting and were likely taken from engravings of Bartolomeo Pinelli which were published in Rome in 1816. For similar examples of mosaics in this style, see The Gilbert Collection: Micromosaics, Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, p. 235, no. 169 and p. 238, no. 174.