Showrooms

Antique Italian micromosaic plaque depicting the Capitoline Doves

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
This fine, circular micromosaic plaque shows four doves drinking water from a golden bowl, upon which they perch. The Classical design for the mosaic is taken from one found in the Roman Emperor Hadrian's villa in the 2nd Century AD. Hadrian's mosaic, which was on the floor as is traditional, was probably based on a design by Sosus of Pergamon, a Greek master artist. Known as the Capitoline Doves, the design is sometimes referred to as the Doves of Pliny due to Pliny the Elder referring to its description in his Natural History work of 77 AD. Along with a revived interest in the Classical, this image became a popular subject for micromosaics in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

More Information

Origin:	Italy
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	micro mosaic, marble
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	c. 1830
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	15352
Incollect Reference #:	343323

Dimensions

H.	0.08 in;	Diam.	2.76 in;
H.	0.2 cm;	Diam.	7 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.