Very fine antique Italian Victorian era 4 5/8" tall gilded & silvered bronze picture frame with locket style front door framing an oval pietra dura plaque with colorful floral inlay and a two love birds & ribbon figural top! A visually stunning piece, small but powerful!
Pietra dura is made by cutting and fitting thin pieces of colored hardstone into a carved stone base to create detailed images, patterns, or scenes—almost like a stone mosaic, but with perfectly flush joints and polished surfaces. The technique became especially associated with Florence during the late 16th century under the patronage of the Medici family. An artist first draws a full-scale design, often floral motifs, birds, landscapes, or architectural scenes. Craftsmen then chose naturally colored stones for specific visual effects, often including lapis lazuli for blue skies, malachite for green leaves, jasper for reds & browns and agate, onyx, mother-of-pearl, and many others. A beautiful contrast between the rich gold framework and jet black plaque here!
Very good condition. Some wear tot the silver or nickel plating on the frame, the oval around the plaque nearly entirely gold in color but you can see some silver-ish remnants on the finial and sides. This one has a simple downward hook on the back for hanging and it could/likely would have been mounted as part of several or some other larger piece. Just add a ring there and ready to hand on the wall. See pictures for all measurements.
