Antique Micro Mosaic Large Hard Stone Plaque (paper weight), c. 1825- 1850. of the "Doves of Pliny" also called the Capitoline Doves.
SOLD Antique Micro Mosaic Large Hard Stone Plaque (paper weight), c. 1825- 1850. of the "Doves of Pliny" also called the Capitoline Doves.
A mosaic is a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces called tesserae. These were different types of hard stones, tile or glass.
This is a excellent example of early micro mosaic art. It possesses extraordinary craftsmanship manifested by adroit dexterity in the placement of the very small tesserae so that shades, minute details and related nuances can be portrayed with utmost precision.
This large micro-mosaic, in fine condition and not missing any of its tesserae, measures 7 inches across.
It is set within a black hard stone which has scalloped edges. There are a few very small nicks on the outer edge of this hardstone.
This scene originated from early Roman art: Four Doves Drinking from a Golden Bowl, from Emperor Hadrian’s Villa, 2nd century AD.
Micro-mosaics as a jewelry art form did not exist before approximately 1775. The use of colored glass tesserae as the constituent parts of this artistry was basically an adjunct to the decoration of architectural elements as for example in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome which has 10,000 square meters of micro-mosaic.
The same artists that filled the orders of architects were the first to develop, around 1800, miniature versions that required less time and for which these artists could charge more because, at this time, Rome became a living laboratory of classic treasures and attracted people who were not only part of the fine things trade, but also tourists. The experience was called the Grand Tour, and some of this more portable work was exceptional quality as, for example, in our paperweight called the Doves of Pliny.
Today, a preponderance of jewelry is machine made in large factories around the world with abundant and obvious suspicions as to its enduring qualities using not only inferior stones, but also man made stones and treated stones utilizing artificial substances.
Alternatively, this object is extremely rare with expert craftsmanship.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value by our gemologist, as well as all original gemological documentation, if specified in the listing. As always, we guarantee all pieces to be exactly as represented. Each piece of jewelry arrives in a gift-wrapped fine presentation box.
Over the decades of our stewardship as a small but exemplary purveyor of the jeweler's art, we have strived to offer a fine and authentic selection, in excellent condition, of collectible jewels from all highly sought time periods at competitive prices. In the process, we have had the extraordinary good fortune of meeting remarkable people - some collectors, others just extremely interesting individuals who have taken the time and effort to examine their lives and select things that tend to make them smile, or admire, or just wonder at the exciting endlessly creative and nuanced panoply of jeweled artifacts.