Crucifix - Brass, bronze, glass tesserae, and polychrome enamels. - 19th century (c. 1870–1900)

06
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07
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12
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Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
Clément Floch
Expert
Selected by Clément Floch

Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.

Estimate  € 250 - € 300
FI
€2
FR
€1

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Description from the seller

Italy (Rome) – Important crucifix / large blessing cross in brass and Roman micromosaic (Micromosaico) – Views of the major basilicas & the Holy Spirit – 19th century era

Presentation & Iconography

Superb and important blessing or altar cross in gilded brass, a remarkable souvenir of the Grand Tour made in Rome in the 19th century.

Central iconography: The Christ in bronze/brass, raised in relief, surmounted by the radiant Dove of the Holy Spirit against a background of intense blue enamel.

Micromosaic medallions: The four ends of the cross incorporate meticulous panels in glass micromosaic (tesserae) depicting the emblematic monuments and major basilicas of Rome:

Top: St. Peter’s Basilica and its square.

Left and right arms: Major Roman basilicas (such as St. John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore).

Base: The Pantheon or the Colosseum.

Ornamentation: The contours and the lower shaft are richly adorned with garlands of flowers (forget-me-nots, daisies) and traditional Italian geometric motifs.

Technical characteristics

Origin: Italy (Roman workshops)

Era: 19th century (c. 1870–1900)

Materials: Brass, bronze, glass tesserae and polychrome enamels

Dimensions:

Height: 21.8 cm

Width: 14 cm

Thickness: 0.5 cm

Gross weight: 438 g

Overall condition: Very beautiful and rare large format, in good condition for an object of such finesse.

Micromosaic: The central panels are well preserved with magnificent details. Light and minor traces of period use.

Mounting & Patina: Beautiful original brass gilding patina with a suspension ring at the top.

Italy (Rome) – Important crucifix / large blessing cross in brass and Roman micromosaic (Micromosaico) – Views of the major basilicas & the Holy Spirit – 19th century era

Presentation & Iconography

Superb and important blessing or altar cross in gilded brass, a remarkable souvenir of the Grand Tour made in Rome in the 19th century.

Central iconography: The Christ in bronze/brass, raised in relief, surmounted by the radiant Dove of the Holy Spirit against a background of intense blue enamel.

Micromosaic medallions: The four ends of the cross incorporate meticulous panels in glass micromosaic (tesserae) depicting the emblematic monuments and major basilicas of Rome:

Top: St. Peter’s Basilica and its square.

Left and right arms: Major Roman basilicas (such as St. John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore).

Base: The Pantheon or the Colosseum.

Ornamentation: The contours and the lower shaft are richly adorned with garlands of flowers (forget-me-nots, daisies) and traditional Italian geometric motifs.

Technical characteristics

Origin: Italy (Roman workshops)

Era: 19th century (c. 1870–1900)

Materials: Brass, bronze, glass tesserae and polychrome enamels

Dimensions:

Height: 21.8 cm

Width: 14 cm

Thickness: 0.5 cm

Gross weight: 438 g

Overall condition: Very beautiful and rare large format, in good condition for an object of such finesse.

Micromosaic: The central panels are well preserved with magnificent details. Light and minor traces of period use.

Mounting & Patina: Beautiful original brass gilding patina with a suspension ring at the top.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Over 200 years old
No
Material
Brass, bronze, glass tesserae, and polychrome enamels.
Country of origin
Italy
Height
21.8 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
0.5 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
19th century (c. 1870–1900)
BelgiumVerified
2218
Objects sold
99.45%
protop

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