AN ITALIAN GOLD-MOUNTED MICROMOSAIC BROOCH

BY CASTELLANI (FL. 1814-1930), ROME, CIRCA 1850

Details

AN ITALIAN GOLD-MOUNTED MICROMOSAIC BROOCH
BY CASTELLANI (FL. 1814-1930), ROME, CIRCA 1850
circular micromosaic plaque set as a brooch, with the monogram of Pope Pascal II (ca. 1099-1118) in white lettering against a dark-blue back-ground and turquoise outer rim, with corded borders and rope-tied gold mount, the reverse with maker's mark for Castellani
2 3/8 in. (60 mm.) wide

Literature

S. Weber Soros and S. Walker, Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelery, Yale University Press, 2004, p.160, Fig. 6-13 for a comparative brooch with the same design and monogram.

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Lot Essay

The design of the micromosaic is based on the twelve-century mosaic from the apse and arch of the Church of Santa Maria Prassede, Rome, which shows the monogram of Pope Paschal II. Pope Paschal II, born Ranierius, was Pope from 13 August 1099 to his death in 1118. A monk of the Cluniac order, he was created Cardinal-Priest of San Clemente by Pope Gregory VII (1073–85) in 1073. He was consecrated as pope in succession to Pope Urban II (1088–99) on 19 August 1099. His reign of almost twenty years was exceptionally long for a pope of the Middle Ages.

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