A Roman souvenir micromosaic bracelet
18k gold bracelet designed as a flexible milanaise band in archaeological revival style interspersed with decorative connecting elements with granulation designs and five round medallions with cord-pattern surrounds depicting Christian motifs in fine micromosaic technique. The central panel with the Agnus Dei flanked by an anchor - the Christian symbol of hope - the Greek Chi-Ro monogram and two doves as symbols of the Holy Spirit. In the original purple velvet case labelled “A. Rey, Via Condotti, Roma”. Each medallion hallmarked: Roman assay mark. Unsigned. L 19 cm. Weight 57.69 g.
Rome, ca. 1860/70.
This unsigned bracelet with exceptionally fine micromosaics inspired by the early Christian mosaics of Rome and Ravenna is very reminiscent of the work of the Castellani studio. This Roman goldsmith dynasty founded the “Archeological Revival” jewellery style in the 1830s, a fashion which reached its peak in the 1870s. Under the direction of Luigi Podio, leader of the mosaic studios, micromosaic works of highest quality using the finest tesserae (glass stones) were created from 1851 until his death in 1888.
Provenance
Acquired as a souvenir on the Roman art market in 1950 on occasion of the celebration of the Holy Year under the papacy of Pius XII.