Property from a European Private Collection
An Italian micromosaic panel, Rome, early 19th century
Lot Closed
December 11, 03:01 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property from a European Private Collection
An Italian micromosaic panel, Rome,
early 19th century
circular, depicting the Doves of Pliny, on a square black marble ground and on a later gilt-bronze frame
16cm. high, 16cm. wide; 6 1/2 in. (framed); 9.3cm. diam., 3 5/8 in. (micromosaic roundel)
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Gismondi, Paris
The subject of this panel is inspired by ancient mosaics, namely a floor depicting a basket of flowers in the Pio Clementino Museum of Vatican (inv. no. MC0402). The celebrated Roman mosaic, Doves of Pliny, excavated from Hadrian's villa in Tivoli in 1737, is a recurrent motif in 19th century mosaics and it actually proved to be a very popular depiction to collect by Grand Tourists as a souvenir from their travel through the city of Rome. An obvious symbol of love as the spring of life, doves, together with the basket of flowers, are meticulously executed: the light effects and contrasting vibrant colours against the Belgian black marble top create an enchanting trompe l’oeil.