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18th Century Micromosaic, Rome, c. 1795, Attributed to G. Raffaelli

About the Item

18th century micromosaic of a turtle dove on her nest with a chick, attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli. To see a similar plaque, signed and dated Giacomo Raffaelli, 1791; see: Aste Bolaffi Auction House, lot 324, May 31, 2023, Torino Italy. Birds were a popular motif in micromosaics in the last quarter of the 18th century and into the early 19th century. This mosaic is well executed with fine detail as seen in the shading. Little effort had been made in the dark background to follow the contour of the dove's silhouette, instead keeping the tessera in horizontal rows with square tesserae. The decorative border or millefiori of three colors around the edge create a colorful frame to this delightful scene. All of these characteristics date this plaque as being late 18th century and most likely executed by Giacomo Raffaelli. For more detailed information, see page 32 of "The Gilbert Collection Micromosaics by Jeanette H. Gabriel. Philip Wilson Publishers. The reader will see the characteristics unique to Raffaelli. Jeannette Gabriel is considered a foremost expert in the work of Raffaelli, and was a statically important participant in the management, development and analysis of the Gilbert Collection. Her observations relative to the work of Raffaelli are therefore quite credible by art historians This micromosaic is 2 5/8th inches in diameter, and backed in copper which is typical of plaques made at this time. This plaque was probably set onto a box of some sort as it has a glue like substance on the verso, which can be removed. We have chosen to keep this as it came to us, and in an effort to be careful, we have made no effort to remove it. We have one of the largest collections of micromosaics offered for sale. If our reader is searching for a particular motif, we would be happy to list it here for your consideration. From very large wall hangings, to desk objects such as paperweights to the smallest of brooches, one needs only to ask. 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.
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1795
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Aspen, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 11028481stDibs: LU19223613092

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