Wonderful antique Italian Victorian era Grand Tour souvenir of Rome, a large 12" micro mosaic cross or crucifix in silver or nickel plated brass or bronze with crucified Christ figure and four architectural scenes of Rome! Wonderfully preserved, not a single tiny colored glass tesserae loose or missing that I can see from this large souvenir of someone's c.1880-1910 visit to Rome. The cruciform or crucifix form is a sturdy 1/4" deep silvered metal basin, brass or bronze, into which the artisan has worked, and more than 100 years later, it holds the art perfectly. The 4 outer quatrefoil micro mosaics are top notable architectural depictions of churches of Rome, with St. Peter's up top. The others, if I'm correct, are the Basilica di San Giovanni, the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome’s Cathedral) and the Basilica de S. Maria Maggiore. One of two that we're adding this week, the other a huge 11.5" work so be sure to browse some while you're with us. Thanks!
Very good to excellent condition, not a single flaw to note in all the mosaic work. Displays beautifully! Loss or wear to the silver or nickel plating on the front with the gold colored brass or bronze showing. Vibrant colored glass in tiny bits laid entirely by hand into place to create each scene, it's rare to find these complete and undamaged. Hanging loop remains up top.
