A magnificent late 19th-century Grand Tour micromosaic cross from Rome - the large 7 inch wall-hanging size that is becoming increasingly hard to find.
Crafted in the Vatican Mosaic Workshop tradition using the smalti filati technique, thousands of tiny hand-pulled glass tesserae are assembled to create lush, dimensional floral bouquets. Each arm terminates in a trefoil end, densely worked with daisies, forget-me-nots and mixed wildflowers on a signature robin's egg blue ground, bordered with delicate white enamel triangles.
The center is dominated by the early Christian Chi-Rho Christogram (☧ / PAX) - the monogram of Christ - in white on a rich oxblood red field. The cross retains its original brass mount and hanging ring at top.
This was a devotional object and prized souvenir brought home by wealthy travelers completing the Grand Tour of Italy, circa 1880-1900.
DETAILS:
• Origin: Rome, Italy, c. 1880-1900
• Material: Micro mosaic glass tesserae on brass / metal base
• Dimensions: 7" H x 3.75" W x 0.5" D (17.8 x 9.5 cm)
• Iconography: Chi-Rho / PAX in center, floral on all four arms
• Mount: Original brass with top hanging loop
CONDITION:
Excellent antique condition with honest patina to brass. Micromosaic is bright and intact with no major losses to the floral motifs. There is minor age-appropriate grout wear / small tesserae loss in the blue field just below the central medallion.