This is a rather unique Victorian era Grand Tour micro mosaic paperweight, large in size, which has been professionally framed for wall display. It's the kind that has a wonderful c.1840-60s tiny glass tesserae masterpiece micro mosaic worked into a basin of nearly 1" thick black marble or slate. They normally are not framed. I have not peeled back the paper backing, but I suspect it might be one that had some small chips on the beveled, fluted outer ridges (like many do) and yet no damage at all to the entire large micro mosaic work, so it's framed to present beautifully as you see it. The frame is very heavy, so I know it's that large slate/marble type (much experience to draw upon). The mosaic oval is surrounded in cared red glass, as well, and it measures 5" x 4", so the plaque must be about 8" or more. The shadow box frame still holds it beautifully. I've had this one in my own collection - souvenirs of all my Grand Tours to Rome. But it's time to begin to disburse my collections and so this and other fine old mosaics are in the "downsize" lots. Your gain, and my enjoyment to have loved this superb depiction of the Roman Coliseum, and all our family trips to see it again. A great addition and centerpiece to display with your own collection. I do go regularly, and I do look to see what all the micro mosaics of this age and quality are bringing in the boutiques in Rome and Florence, and we also sell to those dealers. I can tell you that buying directly from me, it's half or less than you'll pay for it in Rome, and what a nice way to have your own Grand Tour souvenir, but spend all that extra on your trip.
Very good condition as it is mounted. I do think if taken from the frame we would see chips around the outer rim. Most of these large paper weights do have some. I might be wrong. It might be perfect. I'm not going to unframed it to see. We'll just offer it as if it has some flaws. The micro mosaic is superb, undamaged, and looks like just one tesserae lost to the far left. It almost seems to me like there's a wash of gesso over the sky, might be to stabilize due to that one/two being out? Please look closely. And no cracks showing in the slate/marble surround or basin into which it's worked. A really wonderful piece! Measurements of the outer frame: 10" x 9" and 2" in depth, the red outlined oval mosaic is a full 5" x 4" and I think that plaque must be about 8" x 6", given the weight.
