Gold and Micromosaic Pendant-Brooch, Tiffany & Co.

The oval-shaped micromosaic composed of tesserae depicting the Madonna in blue and crimson robes, within a floral Archaeological-revival frame, signed Tiffany & Co.; late 19th century. With fitted box.

The present lot will be published in Micromosaics: Private Collections by Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel to be published in 2016.

In very good condition, particularly considering the age of the pendant-brooch. Fine detailing to the micromosaic throughout, the material for which is is intact and in good condition. Dimensions approximately 2 3/4 by 1 3/4 inches. Accompanied by a fitted box.
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.

The micromosaic mounted in this pendant is most likely the work of Antonio Aguatti (? - 1846). Considered a master of mosaics by the early nineteenth century, Aguatti had a private studio at 96 Piazza di Spagna, Rome, and in 1834 was made Professor at the Vatican Mosaic Workshop. He is considered one of the most important and innovative Roman micromosaic artists of all time for his development of complex- and curvilinear-shaped tesserae, and the combination of more than one hue in a single tessera. Both curved and multi-hued tesserae can be seen in the braided hair of the present mosaic figure after Raphael’s Madonna of the Goldfinch. It should be noted that this micromosaic features almost 2,000 tesseare per square inch, the most of any known micromosaic. Relatively few signed pieces by Aguatti are known: sometimes he signed “Aguatti” or “A” in tesserae on the front; other times his incised signature is on the back of the object. Among his mosaic works are a large plaque of The Entombment after Caravaggio and a portrait miniature of Napoleon after Isabey (Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection - Micromosaics, London, 2000, nos. 24 & 22); a tabletop with Cupid (Hermitage Museum), a tabletop with Chariot of Love (Vatican Museum), and a parure made for Queen Caroline Murat of Naples (Museo Napoleonico, Rome).

Sotheby's is grateful to Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel for her extensive research on this extraordinary micromosaic.