An Italian micromosaic and specimen marble top, Roman, first quarter 19th century, the base Empire

the circular top centered  by St. Peter's Basilica within a radiating flowerhead of specimen marbles within a stylised Greek key border enclosing small rectangular plaques depicting Roman ruins such as The Forum, the Colosseum, The Pantheon, Castello San'Angelo, The Arch of Constantine, Temple of Vesuvius, Piazza del Popolo, The Temple of Vesta amongst others, on a mahogany veneered base with four columnar supports with gilt-bronze headers joined by a concave-sided platform stretcher on block feet with brass castors

In overall good original condition. The top is most attractive and is very rare with the small band of miniature mosaics with views of Rome. Some very miniscule chips and losses to the top which are hardly noticeable with very nice detail. Later wooden strengthener beneath the marble to support it. There is a 3cm loss to veneer around the frieze and some other very minor losses which can easily be restored.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
J.H. Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection, Micromosaics, London, 2000, No. 69, pp. 130-131T and no. 31, pp. 84-85.
The taste for specimen marble and micromosaic tops was stimulated by the Grand Tours undertaken during the 18th and 19th centuries by English aristocrats. The most popular of all subject matters in micromosaics were the Italian monuments. The scenes were taken from engravings and often contained anachronisms.The offered table top is  a particularly fine example and dates to the early 19th century. Another example with a border of Roman views, circa 1845 by Michelangelo Barberi (1787-1867), is in the Gilbert Collection illustrated, op. cit.,p. 85, no. 31.  

The central roundel depicts St. Peter's Square redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) from 1656 to 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII, designed "so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace". The two fountains flanking it are by Carlo Maderno (1566-1629). The absence of the four large lamps added around the obelisk in 1852 place this top before this date.