Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 11

Important Micromosaic of Two Guinea Pigs Eating Cabbage and Grapes

$295,000List Price

About the Item

An important Micromosaic of two guinea Pigs eating cabbage and grapes, By Antonio Aguatti or Giacomo Raffaelli With red mosaic outline and black marble border, backed with an iron-inset white marble slab bearing the inscription to Giacomo Raffaelli/1817 This is one of the finest and most important micromosaics available anywhere in the world. True museum quality. Circa 19th century, European 16½ x 19 1/8 in. A veritable tour de force of the art form, the micromosaic 'picture' is a highly rare and possibly unique copy of German-born painter Franz Werner von Tamm's Two guinea-pigs with cabbage and grapes. After the start of his career in his native Hamburg and then Vienna, von Tamm (d. 1724) spent from 1685 to 1691 in Rome, where he gained access to, and commissions from, a number of important Roman patrician families. Whilst the exact pose of the two guinea-pigs seen here is replicated by von Tamm elsewhere (see Two doves and guinea-pigs, oil on canvas, sold Hugo Ruef Kunstauktionen, Munich, 9 November 2000, lot 1258), the origin and current whereabouts of the exact canvas that provided the inspiration for this magnificent micromosaic is as yet unknown. However, it is likely to have been a work either commissioned by, or for the purpose of accessibility to the early 19th century mosaicist, later in the collection of, one of the important dynasties for whom von Tamm worked during his sojourn in Rome. The reverse of the marble slab backing to the present micromosaic bears the inscription and partially erased date 'Giacomo Raffaelli/1817'. One of the highly celebrated artists in the fields of mosaics and hardstones and credited with the actual invention of micromosaics, Raffaelli (d. 1836) was extensively patronised by Pope Pius XV (d. 1799), and worked in both the Vatican workshops as well as from his own studio in the Piazza di Spagna. A concrete attribution to Raffaelli here, however, is problematic. Whilst showing a consummate handling of the medium, relative to later artists Raffaelli's micromosaics are characterised by a very stylised technique which is very formal and two-dimensional in its execution. His tesserae, mostly square or rectilinear and uniform in size, tend to be laid down in very linear patterns, even when depicting modelled forms such as the randomness of animal fur. On first examination, one sees that this is the case where much of this 'picture' is concerned. However, closer inspection of the stalk and leaves of the cabbage reveal that the masterful painterly effect has been created through the random positioning of equally randomly shaped and sized tesserae, a technique that achieves a sense of naturalism and perspective inconsistent with Raffaelli's typical work. Furthermore, although not a decisive factor in determining a definitive attribution or otherwise to Raffaelli, the 'signature' to the reverse of the marble slab backing is questionable and its style and content again inconsistent with known authentic examples of Raffaelli's own hand. A strong alternative candidate as maker of this micromosaic is Antonio Aguatti (also known as Aquatti), an equally talented contemporary of Raffaelli. Located at 96 Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Aguatti's studio was responsible for the increase in geometric shapes and fused colours of tesserae, both of which allowed for a more painterly quality in the medium, and which are techniques that have been employed to such stunning effect here. Although also used by other mosaicisti, the thin micromosaic red-line border seen here appears to have been a motif particularly favoured by Aguatti, as shown by its inclusion in two table tops attributed to the artist and sold in these rooms, 11 June 1998, lot 60 and 21 March 2002, lot 465. The same line also appears in two other, virtually identical tops by Aguatti, one in the Gilbert Collection, London (see Hanisee Gabriel, op. cit, p. 77, cat. 26), the other in the Hermitage, St Petersburg (see E. M. Efimova, West European Mosaics of the 13-19th Centuries in the Collection of the Hermitage, Leningrad, 1968, no. 48). Each top is centred by Cupid in a tiger-drawn chariot, enclosed within a border of vine leaves whose treatment is reminiscent of those in this 'picture'.

Dimensions:
Height: 19.13 in (48.6 cm)Width: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Depth: 1.38 in (3.51 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Stone,Mosaic
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1800s
Condition:
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5747224366582

Antique 17th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of a Lama, a Guinea Pig and Guinea Sheep & Collared Peccary, 1657

$231 Sale Price

20% Off

H 14.18 in W 8.47 in D 0 in

Colored Antique Print of New Guinea Fishermen and views of New Guinea

By F. Valentijn

Located in Langweer, NL

Antique print titled 'Volkeren van Nova Guinea , en hun Vaertuygen Het Brandende Eyland als het Noord West van u is De Kust van Nova Guinea beoosten het Eyland Jamma De Kust van Jamm...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Colored Antique Print of New Guinea Fishermen and views of New Guinea

$462 Sale Price

20% Off

H 13.19 in W 15.56 in D 0.02 in

Set of Two Antique Prints of Various Green / White Grape Varieties

Located in Langweer, NL

Set of two antique engravings of various green / white grape varieties titled 'Griset Blanc - Meunier'. These prints originate from 'Le Jardin fruitier, contenant l'histoire, la description, la culture et les usages...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Two Antique Prints of Various Green / White Grape Varieties

$385 Sale Price / set

20% Off

H 11.82 in W 7.88 in D 0 in

Antique Print of Natives of New Guinea

Located in Langweer, NL

Antique print titled 'Naturels de la Nouvelle-Guinée'. Original old print with natives of New Guinea. This print originates from 'Voyage autour du monde exécuté par ordre du roi, sur...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Natives of New Guinea

$789 Sale Price

20% Off

H 12.88 in W 15.04 in D 0.02 in

Hand Colored Antique Print of a Hedgehog, Guinea Pig and Two Mice

Located in Langweer, NL

Original antique print of a hedgehog, guinea pig (?) and two mice species. This engraved print originates from a very rare unknown Dutch work. The plates are similar to the plates in...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand Colored Antique Print of a Hedgehog, Guinea Pig and Two Mice

$154 Sale Price

20% Off

Free Shipping

H 10.08 in W 7.76 in D 0.02 in

Antique Print of Artifacts from New Guinea

Located in Langweer, NL

Antique print titled 'Nouvelle-Guinée'. Original old print with artifacts from New Guinea. This print originates from 'Voyage autour du monde exécuté par ordre du roi, sur la corvett...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of Artifacts from New Guinea

$308 Sale Price

20% Off

H 15.08 in W 11.54 in D 0.01 in

A Roman Micromosaic Plaque Depicting a Basket of Flowers

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A Roman Micromosaic Plaque Depicting a Basket of Flowers. Inscribed verso 'From The Townshend Colln.', 'Poe 200, Florentine Mosaic', 16.5 x 18 cm, the plaque 18.5 x 20 cm, overall...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Decorative Art

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

A Roman Micromosaic Plaque Depicting a Basket of Flowers

$23,421

H 7.29 in W 7.88 in D 0.99 in

Pair of Italian Portraits Made of Handcrafted Micromosaic Tiles

By Vatican Mosaic Studio

Located in London, GB

An important pair of large micromosaic plaques from The Vatican Studios of Rome Gold Gilt frames of portrait form enclose the plaques, which depict male and female Italian villagers...

Category

20th Century Italian Revival Decorative Art

Materials

Giltwood, Cut Glass

Pair of Italian Portraits Made of Handcrafted Micromosaic Tiles

$103,329 / set

H 15 in W 21.5 in D 5 in

Original Antique Print of Pigs and a Farmer by Ducôte 'circa 1840'

Located in Langweer, NL

Tinted lithograph of pigs and a farmer. Published by Sand J. Fuller at their Sporting Gallery, 34, Rathbone Place, London. Lithographed by Ducôte.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Print of Pigs and a Farmer by Ducôte 'circa 1840'

$115 Sale Price

20% Off

H 13.78 in W 10.63 in D 0.02 in

Italian Micromosaic Plaque of the "Doves of Pliny", Vatican Workshop

By Vatican Work Shop

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An Italian Micromosaic (micro mosaic) plaque of the "Doves of Pliny", Vatican workshop, late 19th century, Rome within giltwood frame carved with acan...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Paintings

Materials

Giltwood

Italian Micromosaic Plaque of the "Doves of Pliny", Vatican Workshop

$45,000

H 20.86 in W 13.18 in D 1 in

More From This Seller

View All

Micromosaic Depicting A Pastoral Scene

Located in New York, NY

Important Micromosaic depicting a Pastoral Scene with woman, Man and Sheep Circa 1850's, Italy Dimensions: Micromosaic without Frame: approxim...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

Micromosaic Depicting A Pastoral Scene

$20,000

Very Rare 18th Century Micromosaic Depicting a Goldfinch Bird

Located in New York, NY

Very rare 18th century micromosaic depicting a goldfinch bird. Measurements: Without frame approximately 5.5 in x 6.5 inches With frame approximately 8.44 x 9.63 inches.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

Very Rare 18th Century Micromosaic Depicting a Goldfinch Bird

$65,000

Pietra Dura Depicting a Woman Feeding Chickens

Located in New York, NY

Pietra Dura Depicting a woman feeding chickens circa 1850s Italy Dimensions: With frame: approximately 11.75 x 9.38 inches Micromosaic without frame: approximately 9 x 6.75 i...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Decorative Art

Materials

Stone

Pietra Dura Depicting a Woman Feeding Chickens

$9,500

Large Qajar and Enamelled Ghalian Section with Brass Hookah Base

Located in New York, NY

Large qajar and enamelled ghalian section with brass Hookah Base circa 1900, Persia The gold waisted body decorated with European scenes and portrait...

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Gold, Brass

Large Qajar and Enamelled Ghalian Section with Brass Hookah Base

$60,000

Louis XV Gold & Lacquer Snuff Box

Located in New York, NY

Louis XV gold & lacquer snuff box Circa Paris, France 1760/1761 With the Charge and Decharge Marks of Eloy Brichard 1756 - 1762 Circular Gold-lined bo...

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Gold

Louis XV Gold & Lacquer Snuff Box

$30,000

Gold-Plated Fish Pendant & Desk Object

By Jean Schlumberger

Located in New York, NY

Gold-plated fish pendant & desk object, with moving fish scale mechanism consisting of 1 round cut ruby for the fish eye Measurements: 4.25" long St...

Category