Exquisite & RARE museum quality antique Italian Grand Tour era micro mosaic 14.5" cross or crucifix, FOUR architectural scenes of Rome or Vatican City with central dove mosaic, "1900 Roma" inscription and carved bone Christ figure! One of two fabulous old Italian micro mosaic crucifixes that we're adding today, both large and impressive and both in wonderful condition! Be sure to browse a bit while you're with us, these magnificent antique religious pieces make superb devotional as well as decorative accents! A splendid example of the tourist trade micromosaics of the turn of the century, 1900, give or take, when Grand Tour travel was in its own 'Belle Epoche' and artisans souvenir pieces such as this found their way home with the wealthy fortunate few who traveled the world collecting them. So much finer than a screen-printed t-shirt with Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf, after all - no? This one is entirely worked into a heavy silver or nickel plated bronze framework, assuring the long long life to the full installation of tiny bits of colored glass tesserae with which it is worked. Four souvenir style medallions at each of the four points of the cross, the top shows the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican (or simply St. Peter's Basilica), left is the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, right appears to be the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and bottom is St. Paul's Basilica. The center or apex shows a stunning figural mosaic of a white dove, truly exquisite. Also unique about this one is the addition of a carved bone Christ figure, a mosaic "INRI" above and the Chi Rho & Alpha Omega below. We normally find these with silvered bronze figures so this is really a treat! AND, it's one of two that we recently acquired so be sure to look at the other, along with all of our religious and micro mosaic treasures, while you're with us! Breathtaking!
Very good to excellent condition. I see no missing glass mosaic tesserae though there may be a tiny tile or two missing. The fingers of the right hand on the Christ figure have been chipped off but, as you can see, the remaining sculpture is as fine as those you see on display in Notre Dame, Paris or the Napoleon III chambers in the Louvre. As exquisite piece, extremely rare in the size and condition! See pictures for all measurements.
Not offered internationally, nor to USA States: CA, OR, WA, NE, NY, NJ. Item will be sent only from our Utah office.
