Skip to product information
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt

  • This highly important micromosaic was crafted by the Italian artisan Luigi Gallandt
  • Monumental micromosaics of this giant scale and exceptional quality are extraordinarily rare
  • Gallandt’s micromosaics are particularly prized for their detail and subtle handling of color
  • This example was once part of the Gilbert Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Get complete item description here
Price Upon Request
Item No. 31-0483

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Luigi A. Gallandt
19th Century | Italian

The Colosseum

Signed "Gallandt" (lower right)
Micromosaic with gilt wooden frame

This highly important mid-19th century Roman micromosaic was crafted by the Italian artisan Luigi Gallandt. Monumental micromosaic panels of this giant scale are rare and extraordinarily valuable, and they were nearly always made either by special private commission or as papal gifts. Gallandt’s micromosaics are particularly prized for their high attention to detail and. . .
Read More
Luigi A. Gallandt
19th Century | Italian

The Colosseum

Signed "Gallandt" (lower right)
Micromosaic with gilt wooden frame

This highly important mid-19th century Roman micromosaic was crafted by the Italian artisan Luigi Gallandt. Monumental micromosaic panels of this giant scale are rare and extraordinarily valuable, and they were nearly always made either by special private commission or as papal gifts. Gallandt’s micromosaics are particularly prized for their high attention to detail and subtle handling of color. This example — a stunning veduta of the Colosseum — was once part of the famed Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum (London).

A visit to the Colosseum was central to any Grand Tour itinerary in Rome, and souvenir micromosaics of the Roman ruin were incredibly popular with 19th-century Grand Tourists. This example, however, is in a class of its own, far surpassing the concept of the Grand Tour souvenir. Absolutely monumental in size and measuring nearly 6 feet wide, it would have been a special commission for a client of particular wealth and importance. Few micromosaics of the period achieve both the size and the extraordinary artistry of the present example, which can be counted among the great masterpieces of 19th-century Roman art.

It is this awe-inspiring view that visitors would have first glimpsed of the monument when approaching from the Roman Forum. The Titus fountain is depicted in front of the towering ruin, while the arch of Constantine is depicted to the right. Though two-thirds of the Colosseum has been lost to the ravages of time, Gallandt successfully captures both unspoiled and ruinous elements of the façade, evoking both the grandeur and the history of this well-known site. Contemporary figures in 19th-century dress occupy the foreground, further emphasizing the monumentality of the monument.

The attention to detail and subtly of color and pattern that is achieved in the scene is unique to Gallandt. The artisan was particularly renowned for his ability to impart a realism and veracity in his works that far surpassed any other maker of his generation. Gallandt's private micromosaic workshop operated outside of the constraints of the Studio del Mosaico Vaticano. Situated in the center of the city near the Piazza di Spagna where most tourists stayed, Gallandt was well established and highly successful, eventually earning the titled Cavaliere, the Italian equivalent of knighthood. His popularity allowed him to earn special commissions of large-scale micromosaics such as the present piece, the likes of which are rarely found on the market.

Circa 1850-1875

Panel: 31 1/8” high x 69 1/2” wide
Frame: 38 1/4” high x 76 1/2” wide

Exhibited:
Gilbert Collection, Permanent Display, Somerset House, London, 2000-2007

References:
Micromosaics: The Gilbert Collection, London, 2000, by J. H. Gabriel, cat. no. 58, p. 117.

Provenance:
Collection of Mrs. Loyce Mayfield, Mountain Crest, Alabama
Sotheby-Parke-Bernet New York, The Contents of Mountain Crest, 10-11 June 1977, lot 236
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, London
M.S. Rau, New Orleans, 2020
Read Less
The Colosseum Micromosaic by Luigi Gallandt
Period: 1816-1918
Origin: Italy
Type: Other Fine Art
Depth: 4.5 in. (11.43 cm)
Width: 76.63 in. (194.63 cm)
Height: 38.0 in. (96.52 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.