A micromosaic panel, Cesio, Roma, circa 1800

circular, representing the Temple of the Sibyl at Tivoli, signed Cesio, within a later gilt-bronze frame

panel in overall excellent condition, slightly loose from frame.
"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."

The Temple of the Sibyl at Tivoli outside Rome was one of the most popular buildings visited by travellers taking the 'Grand Tour' of Europe. This particular view however is quite unusual, as it is taken from a specific angle with three columns visible. Two example are in the Sir Arthur Gilbert collection, a romantic version with dark sky and animals by Giacomo Raffaelli, and another, very similar to this lot, (J. H. Gabriel, Micromosaics, The Gilbert Collection, 2000, Cat. 85 &138).
The artist Cesio still remains unidentified but he seems to have more than mastered the technique of micromosaic; one can admire on this panel the unusual spotted tesserae imitating marble.

We are grateful to Guglielmo Melodia for his help in cataloguing this lot.