Italian Grand Tour Micro Mosaic of a Spaniel After the Hunt

Description Italian Grand Tour micro mosaic depicting a spaniel resting after the hunt, after Antonio Aguatti and Gioacchino Barberi. Set into a carved oval panel of Lapis Lazuli, the mosaic features a recumbent dog within a pastoral landscape, flanked by soft foliage and low trees. Each glass tessera is finely laid, resulting in an image of near-continuous surface with almost no visible separation between the tiles. The piece is mounted in an ebonised surround with domed glass to preserve the intricate mosaic work. Dog-themed micro mosaics were a recurring motif during the height of the Grand Tour, especially in the early to mid 19th century. The spaniel in repose became a popular romantic image, often interpreted as a symbol of fidelity and love. Antonio Aguatti and Gioacchino Barberi were leading Roman mosaicists of the period, widely recognised for developing highly detailed animal subjects. Their works were frequently collected as souvenirs by elite travellers undertaking the Grand Tour, and examples of their craftsmanship reside today in major collections of 19th century Italian decorative art. This example is a well-preserved and finely executed micro mosaic from the first half of the 19th century, combining technical precision with strong decorative appeal. It reflects both the skill of the Roman micro mosaic workshops and the cultural taste for sentimental themes among travellers of the period. View the full Decorative Antiques collection. Measurements Frame 8.7cm High x 9.8cm Wide x 2cm Deep (3.43 x 3.86 x 0.79) Micro Mosaic 2.8cm High 3.3cm Wide (1.1 x 1.3 Inches) Condition Excellent antique condition, split to the ebonsied wooden frame no damage to the micro mosaic. What is a MICRO MOSAIC? Micro Mosaic is a form of mosaic that uses unusually very small mosaic pieces (tesserae) stone, tile or glass. Some times in later Italian pieces an enamel-like material, to make small figurative images was used, For further information see our article What Are Micro Mosaics? History, Makers, and Collecting Guide. WHO IS Antonio Aguatti? Aguatti was a celebrated mosaicist active in Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy. He was associated with the Vatican workshop who were renowned for their highly skilled craftsmanship and restoration even today. Aguatti’s sought-after virtuoso works were copied by other mosaicists. Aguatti became known for his high quality and highly detailed mosaics noted for a selection of dogs and other animals. Who is Gioacchino Barberi? Barberi was born in Rome in 1783 and died in January 1857. His worked out of Piazza di Spagna 99 in Rome, Italy (see Petochi 1981, p.45). Despite the coincidence of names, he has no connection with the Cavaliere Michelangelo Barberi, who was the most famous mosaicist of the Roman School in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1867, Luigi Barberi, son of Gioacchino, also jeweller and gem engraver, is listed in Murray’s Handbook to Rome at the same address; his shop is described as ‘one of the best for the ordinary class of mosaic ornaments’. He last appears in the handbooks in 1881. WHAT IS THE GRAND TOUR?  The Grand Tour was an extended journey through Europe, especially Italy, undertaken by young aristocrats from the 17th to 19th centuries as an educational rite of passage. Intended to cultivate taste and knowledge through exposure to classical art, architecture, and polite society, the tour played a formative role in shaping the collecting habits of the British elite. Grand Tour travellers often returned with sculptures, paintings, and antiquities, forming the foundation of many private collections in the Georgian and Victorian periods. For further information see our Article The Grand Tour – A Journey of Culture, Art and Collecting. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. 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