GOLD AND MICRO MOSAIC BANGLE, 1860s

Decorated to the obverse with a central panel set with multi-coloured tesserae depicting a scene of Apollo driving his Chariot of The Sun, surrounded by the Hours, preceded by Aurora, after a fresco painted by Guido Reni circa 1612 at the Palazzo Pallavicini Rospigliosi in Rome, within a gold rope work border, the sides embellished with fine wire work and granulation, the reverse applied with 'ROMA' within annular rope work borders, measuring approximately 165mm.

Cf: Understanding Jewellery, Daniela Mascetti and David Bennett, Antique Collector's Club, 1989, plate 290, page 186.

Several multi-coloured tesserae deficient from scene to obverse of bangle, some repairs where areas of loss have been filled with an off-white material only visible with magnification, a noticeable crack from upper left hand side to the lower centre section. Some gold beading detail missing to obverse and reverse, one small piece of gold wire work deficient to reverse in scroll decoration above 'ROMA'. Inside bangle the thin layer of gold backing is lifting visibly in two places, some visible bending to gold. Lifting bar clasp secure and not damaged. Scratching to gold throughout piece consistent with age and wear. In overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
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