Gold and micromosaic demi-parure, 1820s

Comprising: a necklace designed as a series of eight  graduated micromosaic oval plaques, depicting the principle sights of Rome, including; The Ponte Molle, The Tomb of Cecilia Metella, The Temple of Vesta Tivoli, The Colosseum, The Temple of Hercules Victor, The Temple of Minerva Medica, The Castel Sant' Angelo and The Pyramid of Cestius length approximately 410mm; together with a pair of earrings depicting the Temple of Vespasian and Castor and Pollux, each mounted within gold cannetille frames, earrings with later surmounts.

Cf: Shirley Bury " Jewellery 1789-1910, The International Era, Volume I 1789-1861" The Antique collectors Club, 1991, page 250 for an illustration of a similar parure from the Gilbert Collection.

Gross weight approximately 108.3 grams. Micromosaic in very good condition. Some very slight tarnish and scratches to reverse of metal. Clasp secure. Later screw fittings secure, stamped 18k for 18 carat gold. In very 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.
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 views depicted are probably taken form Giovanni Battista Piranesi 1720-1778 series of vedute (views) of the city of Rome; his first work was Prima parte di Architettura e Prospettive (1743), followed in 1745 by Varie Vedute di Roma Antica e Moderna. Both works would have been familiar to the 18^th Century Grand Tourist who upon visiting Rome would have acquired examples of the mosaicist art. The mosaics and frescos of the newly discovered cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, views ancient and modern of the city of Rome as well as more sentimental subjects where all offered to the wealthy Grand Tourists of the period. The dating of the current mosaics is likely to fall prior to 1828 as the temple of Minerva is still depicted with its dome partially intact, which collapsed soon after. Upon returning to England the mosaics would have been mounted in the latest fashion into elaborate parures of jewellery, boxes or displayed unmounted in vitrines as examples of the collector’s classical taste and education.