Mid 19th century (circa 1860) Italian micromosaic plaque of the Doves of Pliny or The Capitoline Doves, framed within an oval gilt slip and ebonised wooden frame.
This micromosaic plaque of The Doves of Pliny or Capitoline Doves consists of four doves resting on the edge of a two-handled gold basin, this resting on a marble square, within black background of polished slate.
Paper label to the reverse with handwritten words as follows:
THE DOVES OF PLINY
ITALIAN CIRCA 1860
PURCHASED MIAMI $ PNFR
FEB. 96
This image originates from a Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 during excavations at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, now in the Capitoline Museum, believed to be a copy of a lost ancient Greek mosaic at Pergamon by the Greek artist Sosus, the original is described by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History completed in 77AD as ‘one dove drinking, the others sunning themselves’.
The term micromosaic describes mosaics made from very small glass pieces or tesserae
..., later The Vatican Mosaic Workshops developed an opaque enamel tesserae called ‘smalti’ to their own secret formula.
This example possibly originates from the Vatican Micromosiac Workshops who produced many of these sought after micromosaics in the 18th and 19th centuries, their work being of the finest of qualities and popular with the Grand Tour collectors, The Doves of Pliny or Capitoline Doves often appear as the subject of micromosaics.
Reference: a few examples of micromosaics of the Doves of Pliny can be found in the book ''The Gilbert Collection ‘Micromosaics’'' by Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel.
This micromosaic is in very good condition for age and can go straight into a home or collection.
Size:
Height: 7.5’’ / 19cm
Width: 8.5’’ / 21.5cm
Width: 1.5’’ / 4cm
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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.
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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.
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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE
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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.
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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque
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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:
www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk
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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451
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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.
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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.
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Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1216265
Dateline of this antique is 1860
Height is 19cm (7.5inches)Width is 21.5cm (8.5inches)Depth is 4cm (1.6inches)
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