C19th Grand Tour Italian Micro-mosaic Marble Plaque

19th century

Sold by Jake Wright Antiques Ltd.

Description

Large early C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' micro-mosaic inlaid plaque of "The Doves of Pliny".

Set into a square Belgo Nero marble. The four doves, perched on the edge of a Tazza, and drinking from it. Incredibly detailed with features such as a refelction of the doves in the rippled water, a simple crack in the plinth under the tazza, and loose feathers and seeds that have fallen to the ground from the birds. Top quality and colours. Set in a C20th carved Giltwood frame. With old Italian label behind the later board, "Tazza Di Palombe, Musei Capitolini, Roma". 13.5” square, mosaic 7.25” diameter. Circa 1830

The design of the doves, known as the 'Capitoline Doves' or 'Doves of Pliny', comes from a Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, which in turn is believed to be a copy of a lost Ancient Greek mosaic at Pegamon. The original is described by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, completed in 77 AD.

The term 'micro-mosaic' is used to describe mosaics made of the smallest pieces of marble. A technique developed in the C18th in the Vatican workshops, and later flourished as an industry in Rome making pieces such as this as expensive tourist momentoes.

Good strong original colours.

Physical Dimensions

Height

34.5cm (13.58")

Width

34.5cm (13.58")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Declaration

Jake Wright Antiques Ltd. has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA779496

Dealers Notes

Jake has been supplying the London Trade and Interior Designer market with quality antiques since 2010. Jake has worked closely with his clients over these years and, due to the recent changing times and opportunities in the market, has decided to step out of the shadows to reach a wider audience with his new website. With items ranging from C17th to C20th in English, continental and Asian tastes. All with emphasis on quality and originality.

We offer a full shipping service, able to provide competitive quotes for National and International transport/shipping with a selection of regularly used, reliable and professional companies.

Description

Large early C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' micro-mosaic inlaid plaque of "The Doves of Pliny".

Set into a square Belgo Nero marble. The four doves, perched on the edge of a Tazza, and drinking from it. Incredibly detailed with features such as a refelction of the doves in the rippled water, a simple crack in the plinth under the tazza, and loose feathers and seeds that have fallen to the ground from the birds. Top quality and colours. Set in a C20th carved Giltwood frame. With old Italian label behind the later board, "Tazza Di Palombe, Musei Capitolini, Roma". 13.5” square, mosaic 7.25” diameter. Circa 1830

fig 1. C19th Grand Tour Italian Micro-Mosaic Marble Plaque — fig 1. C19th Grand Tour Italian Micro-mosaic Marble Plaque

The design of the doves, known as the 'Capitoline Doves' or 'Doves of Pliny', comes from a Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, which in turn is believed to be a copy of a lost Ancient Greek mosaic at Pegamon. The original is described by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, completed in 77 AD.

The term 'micro-mosaic' is used to describe mosaics made of the smallest pieces of marble.

“

A technique developed in the C18th in the Vatican workshops, and later flourished as an industry in Rome making pieces such as this as expensive tourist momentoes.

Jake Wright Antiques Ltd.

Good strong original colours.

Physical Dimensions

Height

34.5cm (13.58")

Width

34.5cm (13.58")

Depth

5cm (1.97")

Date of Manufacture

Jake Wright Antiques Ltd. has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers