Description
This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!
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The origin of the art of micromosaic lies in Rome. Here, in the Vatican to be precise, a workshop for mosaics made of glass stones had existed since the 16th century. Initially, it was used to permanently protect the altarpieces in St. Peter's Basilica against candle soot, moisture and dirt brought into the church by the many pilgrims. Later, after this task had been completed, copies of paintings and landscape depictions in painting size were created.
The idea of using this ultimately antique technique for pieces of jewellery and for the decoration of decorative arts came about at the end of the 18th century. As part of the Grand Tour, countless travelers from northern Europe arrived in the city and created a great demand for souvenirs. Not least to serve this market, a completely new art form was created: micromosaics are small and portable and were therefore particularly suitable to be taken back home to the north. As they also usually depict the beauties of Rome or motifs from antiquity, their success as travel souvenirs is hardly surprising.
The "invention" of the micromosaic is primarily associated with Giacomo Raffaelli and Cesare Aguatti, who perfected this technique around 1775. They established a tradition from which, until the end of the 19th century, mosaics were created with such a wealth of detail and artistry that had never been achieved before or since. Even today, similar mosaics are still produced in Rome, albeit of a much lower quality.
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London has published a beautiful video showing the creation of a micromosaic at this link.
On the technique and history of micromosaics, we also recommend Maria Grazia Branchetti: Mosaici muniti romani, Rome 2004, with many works by Giacomo Raffaelli, and Roberto Grieco/Arianna Gambino: Roman Mosaic. L'arte del micromosaico fra '700 e '800, Milan 2001.
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Size & Details
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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.
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