Exceptional Micromosaic Brooch of the Chi Rho Iota
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A fantastic, Victorian, Grand Tour, Archaeological revival micro-mosaic brooch featuring a beautiful Chi Rho Iota, the first symbol of Christ's name in illuminated Medieval manuscripts. Likely created by the Vatican workshop, with an Italian hallmark, this example is simply superb.
The Grand Tour was a rite of passage starting in the late 17th Century. A typical "Grand Tourist" would be an educated and wealthy Englishman, German, Scandinavian, or American. The trip was a method of architectural, cultural and social study. The itinerary could vary, but usually a Tour started in France and ended in Italy. It was common to collect various art, jewelry, and souvenirs to commemorate the trip. These items were usually sent home for loved ones, kept as mementos, or formed the basis of new life-long collections for the men who took the trip.
The term "micro mosaic" was coined by wealthy 20th-century collector Sir Arthur Gilbert in reference to Roman mosaics composed of little glass bricks called tessarae. These were sold as fine jewelry in the early and mid-19th century, when the tourism trade was at a peak in Rome.
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 1.25" x 1.35"
Weight: 19.24 grams
Materials: Gold, Tesserae
Metal: 18K yellow gold
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent historical condition.
