Paperweight
Applied Arts
Inventory number
2021.7.12.10.AA.DC.C1880.ITDescription
Grand Tour souvenir paperweight in a cartouche-shaped block of Nero Belgio black marble, with shaped outline and a ribbed edge, decorated with five oval micro-mosaic medallions. The center micro-mosaic oval panel depicts the St Mark's Basilica of Venice. The four others represent the same still life of pink, white, blue and red flowers, and green leaves.Micromosaic panels such as this, manufactured from tiny tiles or tesserae of glass or enamel, were produced for sale to wealthy "Grand Tourists" as portable souvenirs of the iconic sites and sights of Italy.
Materials
MarbleGlass
Micromosaic
Origin
circa 1880 Venice, ItalyDimensions
Width : 10.5 cmLength : 15 cm
Height : 2 cm