Best Pamono Italian Artist, Micromosaic of the Capitoline Doves, 1850, Glass

Beautiful 19th century Italian micromosaic. Also called minute mosaic or miniature mosaic or spun mosaic, it is a technique presented for the first time in Rome in 1775 in the workshop of the mosaicist Giacomo Raffaelli. This technique reached its peak in the mid-19th century thanks to the production of minute enamelled glass tiles and was a huge success as a souvenir among foreigners visiting Italy for the Grand Tour. A very pleasant micromosaic depicting wonderful birds drinking, the famous Capitoline doves also known as Pliny’s doves. The composition in fact recalls an original Roman mosaic that was discovered in Hadrian’s Villa in 1737. 20th century frame in carved and gilded wood, with some drops of gilding (see photo). Overall artwork in good condition. Interior measurements H 27 x W 34 cm.