A micromosaic plaque, Rome, circa 1810

circular, inlaid with a fox attacking a pheasant near a clump of reeds, possibly by Andrea or Michelangelo Volpini, in later openwork scrolled brass frame with easel support, in the manner of Howell & James, probably London, circa 1865

Mosaic in good condition; frame intact and bright but bent bottom left and at the top.
"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."

A signed letter dated 16 May 1811 from Wenceslaus Peter, the Polish animal painter working in Rome, to the mosaicist Giacomo Raffaelli, enquires whether he wishes to buy the design of 'the fox with the pheasant, which Signor Volpini also received, at the price of 28 scudi'. It is not known whether Raffaelli chose this design or any of the others on offer but Peter makes it clear in his letter that he has decided to keep his designs secret 'in order to prevent them falling into the hands of other mosaicists' because of problems caused by illicit copies of earlier designs. For further information, see Massimo Alfieri, 'New notes on Giacomo Raffaelli and Michelangelo Barberi', Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection – Micromosaics, London 2000, p. 269. Another copy of the subject, in a silver-gilt snuff box, Rawlings & Summers, London, 1840, is in the collection, catalogue no. 145.
Andrea Volpini and his son Michelangelo worked as mosaicists in Rome; the first died in 1820, his son recorded as working until 1830.