Victorian Micromosaic Brooch Depicting Flora Goddess of Spring, circa 1850

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Victorian Micromosaic Brooch Depicting Flora Goddess of Spring, circa 1850

About

Fine quality micromosaic, depicting the Roman deity Flora, the goddess of Spring & flowers, set as a brooch in 18ct gold. Very similar, in style, to the work of Antonio Aguatti who worked in Rome in the first half of the nineteenth century. The image of Flora has been used throughout the centuries but reached its peak during the Renaissance revival of Antiquity, culminating in the sublime painting by Botticelli. It is rare to find a mosaic with the background in any other colour than black, the artist having used the sky blue glass to enhance the vista of the sky and nature. Although the Greeks and Romans had used mosaics for many centuries, it was the Italians who developed the art of micromosaics in the Vatican at the end of the 18th century. The Napoleonic expedition to Egypt in 1798 led to a great revival of classical interest and was reflected in the subject matter of the micromosaics, many images came from Roman murals, such as the Doves of Pliny, ancient mosaic floors and newly excavated archaeological sites. Micromosaics became very fashionable pieces at the time. During the 19th Century wealthy young aristocrats were expected to complete their education with a “Grand Tour” of Europe with Rome, Italy being an essential destination. Most mosaics were bought in plaque form and many were brought back to be turned into jewellery or put onto furniture as mementos of their journey. The majority brought back “archaeological” pieces depicting The Colosseum, The Forum, The Pantheon etc. However, they also brought back, a limited number with differing subjects such as landscapes, animals, mythology and more symbolic pieces e.g. Doves symbolising love, dogs faithfulness, and flowers which all had their individual symbolisms. The Micromosaic Technique Opaque lumps of enamel called Smalti of variegated hues were first baked in a furnace and then teased out into long filaments called Filati. The mosaicist arranged the thousands of colours as required into a palette like an artist would and broke off the tiny coloured strands (less than 1mm each) as he needed them. They were then placed in position upright into a shallow copper tray that had been lined with a slow drying adhesive medium. The tray was tilted on an easel and the mosaicist copied the painting or design that he was borrowing as a template. Dimensions: Height 5.1cm Width 3.8cm Depth 0.6cm Depth inc Brooch Pin 1cm

Details

Metal:
18k Gold
Dimensions:
Height: 2.01 in (51 mm)Width: 1.5 in (38 mm)Depth: 0.4 in (10 mm)
Style:
Early Victorian
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Pristine, no loss of tesserae or damage to Micromosaic, very minor surface scratches to crystal, unable to see with the naked eye. Very small slight curvature to rear of glass panel (integral to glass during firing process, not damaged).
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 24151stDibs: LU138625354091