19th Century Italian Pietra Dura Paper Weight
$3,450.00
A Grand Tour micro mosaic paper weight depicting vignettes of historical Roman architectural landmarks, set within scalloped black marble form. In the centre is a large roundel depicting St. Peter's Basilica, which is surrounded by smaller vignettes representing classical locals such as the Temple of Hercules Victor, the Colosseum, the Forum Romanum, and the Pantheon. Pietra Dura is a term for the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly-polished coloured stones to create images. The technique first appeared in Rome in the 16th century, reaching its full maturity in Florence.
Dimensions: 4.25 x 6.25 x 0.5 in.
Date: c. 1890
