-Roman Revival 1880 Grand Tour Temple of Vespasian Micro Mosaic Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold
A Roman revival grand tour brooch.
An exceptional piece, created in Italy during the Victorian (1840-1901) grand tour era, back in the 1880. It was carefully crafted with Roman-Etruscan revival patterns in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats and embellished with a black onyx panel mounted with an intricate micro mosaic depicting the ancient ruins of the Temples of Vespasian and Saturn, with the Temple of Castor Beyond, the Roman Forum. The gold frame is decorated around with a patterns of twisted wires and fitted with a hinged bar and a trombone security lock.
The micro mosaic is of Italian origin most probably Venetian, created from more than eight hundred tiny pieces, carved from natural stones, such; blue lapis lazuli, red coral, black onyx, green malachite, black onyx and creme nacre.
The Temple of Vespasian and Titus is located in Rome at the western end of the Roman Forum between the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Saturn. It is dedicated to the deified Vespasian and his son, the deified Titus. It was begun by Titus in 79 after Vespasian's death and Titus's succession. Titus’ brother, Domitian, completed and dedicated the temple to Titus and Vespasian in approximately 87 AD.
Weight: 20.95 Grams, (13.43 Dwt).
Measurements: 50 mm by 43 mm (1.97 x 1.69 Inches).
Hallmarks: No marks, tested for 18 karats .750/.999 Gold.
History Behind This Piece
Between the 1820 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsmen of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this brooch.
Revival jewelry: The styles from the renaissance and Middle Ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez Canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed.
Note: Many nineteenth-century jewelers, were inspired to create their own versions of these ancient pieces, hence “Etruscan Revival”, the most famous being the House of Castellani. Characteristics of Etruscan style jewelry include use of high karat gold and semi-precious stones like lapis, malachite and agates, and most distinguishingly, the use of intricate filigree and granulation.
Collateral: This brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All mosaic pieces are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: P032223XIEN/.5036
