Micromosaic and Pietre Dure Grand Tour Casket

The time-honored decorative techniques of pietre dure and micromosaic are combined in this rare and exceptionally-crafted Grand Tour casket. Serving as a memento of this once-requisite rite of passage for young gentlemen of the upper class, this large ebonized wood casket features five resplendent micromosaic plaques on the lid, each recreating some of the most historic monuments of ancient Rome, including the Temple of Vespasian, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, with outstanding intricacy. Bursting forth with color and incredible artistry is the hardstone pietre dure relief work depicting ribbon-tied boughs of lush fruit and leaves. Highlighting this assemblage of creative skill are wonderfully chiseled gilt bronze mounts that draw the eye to the magnificent workmanship imparted upon this exquisite objet d'art.

Wealthy aristocrats making their Grand Tour through Italy were very fond of pietre dure and micromosaic works. These techniques were expensive, requiring not only precious materials but highly skilled craftsmen. Authentic hardstone pietre dure and micromosaic works such as this are very rare and were available only to the wealthiest European tourists and to wealthy Italian royals. The techniques were rarely applied to a single work simultaneously, as demonstrated by this casket, making it an incredible specimen of Italian decorative art.

Circa 1850

8 7/8" wide x 7 5/16" deep x 5 3/4" high