An Italian micro mosaic table . mid 19th century
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1317W
Property from a Central California Collector
An fine Italian Baroque Revival micro mosaic walnut guéridon
mid 19th century
The circular top micro mosaic inlaid with a central view of Saint Peter's square surrounded by eight views of Classical Roman ruins including the Pantheon, Forum, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Temple of Vesta, and Capitoline hill, within a malachite banding, raised on a fluted standard and down swept legs ending in volute feet.
height 30in (76cm) diameter 23in (58cm)
Sold for US$ 35,000 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • The ancient technique of mosaic was revived in Europe during the 16th century after Roman antiquities, including mosaics, began to be unearthed in archaeological excavations. Techniques developed and improved, with mosaic images becoming increasingly subtle as the individual glass pieces, known as tesserae, became smaller, and the range of available colour pigments grew larger. In 1588 Ferdinand de' Medici established the Grand Ducal workshop in Florence, which supported and patronised the specialised art of hardstone mosaics. Many craftsmen were trained in Florence before setting up studios around Italy. Pietre dure mosaics were produced in Florence, Milan and Rome, and were emulated in Prague and St. Petersburg. Soon craftsmen were attempting to create the perfect 'stone paintings' through the clever exploitation of the natural variations in pigment of the stones. In the 18th century the glass micromosaic technique was developed in the Vatican Mosaic Workshop in Rome, and plaques depicting views of Ancient Rome were among the favorite Grand Tour souveniers.

Category: Furniture / Fine Furniture and Works of Art

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