Micromosaic Plaque with the Head of Jupiter Aegiacus

Attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli, formed with small enamel tesserae ranging in colors from white to greenish grey and varying shades of light to dark olive green against a contrasting background of rectangular black tesserae, the entire composition encircled with a border of round, rectangular and square multi-color tesserae, diameter approximately 27/8 inches; circa 1800.

Mounted in a copper-colored metal base with slight spots of tarnish to the edges. There is a very faint incised line on the left extending diagonally from the edge around the 10 o'clock position down towards the lower left tuft of beard (on level with the chin), but this line is only noticeable in raking light. Polished finish overall with no apparent losses to tesserae.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This masterpiece of micromosaic work en grisaille successfully mimics the effects of large scale sculptural modelling. The precise horizontal layout of the tesserae in the background and the border of multi-color tesserae are distinctive features observed in other examples by Giacomo Raffaelli.  The subject appears to be after an engraving by Raphael Morghen (Naples 1761-Florence 1833), copying an antique cameo discovered at Ephesus, Greece.  For another example of this composition, previously mis-identified as Bacchus of Campidoglio,  illustrated on the same page with the Jupiter Otricoli (see Petochi,  Mosaici Minuti Romani dei secoli XVIII e XIX, Rome, Abete, p. 107, figs. 26 and 28, 1981).

Sotheby’s is grateful to Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel for her assistance with the attribution of the present lot.