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- 18th Century Micromosaic, attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli, Rome, c. 1795. Price upon Request
18th Century Micromosaic, attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli, Rome, c. 1795. Price upon Request
Very fine and rare micromosaic of a seated dog on different types of grass with a deep blue background. This circular bonbonniere measures very slightly less than 2.5 inch across and 13/16th of an inch deep. The deep brown box has several slight separations; however, the box is very stable because the separations are on edges and do not go through the entire piece. Because the box has not been warped with age, the top fits well and securely to the bottom - much like it was intended almost 225 years ago.
We are representing this box as being in very good condition given its age. The micromosaic is in excellent condition. The micromosaic is within a red and white decorative border, or row of identical millefiori (patterned tesserae) decorating the edge of the micromosaic. We have dated this piece as being at the end of the 18th century because this micromosaic has many of the established characteristics of micromosaics done during this early time period.
This image of a seated dog looking back over his shoulder to the left was a popular motif during this time period, and, as many art historians have thought. that this possibly may have originated with Giacomo Raffaelli, who had seen this dog in a wall painting in an ancient ruin in Italy.
Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836) is one the most important artists of micromosaics, his signed pieces are almost nowhere to be found - unless in museums and important collections of the world. We know of nine that exist in the world. Two in the Hermitage, two in the renowned Gilbert Collection, one in the British Museum, three held by different companies in the trade, and one held by Pierre/Famille (soon to be offered for sale on this platform). Raffaelli was considered the finest mosaicist in Rome. Indeed, when Napoleon I wanted to sponsor a mozaic version of The Last Supper, in roughly 1810, he chose Raffaelli, this too added much to his fame.
We believe that the quality of this example is quite consistent with the quality of the signed and dated Raffaelli we already possess.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value. As always, we guarantee all of pieces to be exactly as represented.
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 and even lower prices, if possible. 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.