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Fine quality micromosaic, depicting a King Charles Spaniel dog on his cushion, set as a brooch in 18ct gold.

Dogs were a symbol of faithful love. The King Charles Spaniel breed was extremely popular amongst the English aristocracy, especially during the Victorian period, when Queen Victoria herself doted upon her spaniel, Dash.

Although the Greeks and Romans had used mosaics for many centuries, it was the Italians who developed the art of micromosaics in the Vatican at the end of the 18th century.

The Napoleonic expedition to Egypt in 1798 led to a great revival of classical interest and was reflected in the subject matter of the micromosaics, many images came from Roman murals, such as the Doves of Pliny, ancient mosaic floors and newly excavated archaeological sites. Micromosaics became very fashionable pieces at the time.

During the 19th Century wealthy young aristocrats were expected to complete their education with a “Grand Tour” of Europe with Rome, Italy being an essential destination.

Most mosaics were bought in plaque form and many were brought back to be turned into jewellery or put onto furniture as mementos of their journey. The majority brought back “archaeological” pieces depicting The Colosseum, The Forum, The Pantheon etc.

However, they also brought back, a limited number with differing subjects such as landscapes, animals, mythology and more symbolic pieces e.g. Doves symbolising love, dogs faithfulness, and flowers which all had their individual symbolisms.

The Micromosaic Technique
Opaque lumps of enamel called Smalti of variegated hues were first baked in a furnace and then teased out into long filaments called Filati.

The mosaicist arranged the thousands of colours as required into a palette like an artist would and broke off the tiny coloured strands (less than 1mm each) as he needed them.

They were then placed in position upright into a shallow copper tray that had been lined with a slow drying adhesive medium. The tray was tilted on an easel and the mosaicist copied the painting or design that he was borrowing as a template.

The dimensions are

Width 4.3cm
Height 3.6cm
Depth 0.7cm
Depth inc Brooch Pin 1.3cm

Dimensions

Width: 34.04 mm - 1.34 inches, Height: 36.07 mm - 1.42 inches, Depth: 12.95 mm - 0.51 inches

Price on application





Stock number

2124

The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard