Antique Late 19th Century Italian Micro Mosaic Crucifix Grand Tour Architectural Churches Rome

Description

Antique late 19th century Italian Grand Tour era micro mosaic crucifix. This beautiful Italian Grand Tour souvenir is an artistic … more Antique late 19th century Italian Grand Tour era micro mosaic crucifix. This beautiful Italian Grand Tour souvenir is an artistic creation with a multitude of tiny colorful glass tesserae articulately placed to create micro mosaic vignettes depicting historic architectural sites. Made for the tourist trade, the iconic sites include the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano (St Peter’s Basilica), Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran), Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Saint Mary Major) and the northside Gregorian portico of the Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura (Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls). Richly decorated with various colorful floral mosaics, the Chi Rho christogram and word Roma near the base. The cross is nickle or silver plated metal. Hanging bail at the top. Measures 9 1/2" (including bail) x 5 3/8" wide x 1/4" thick. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. No missing tesserae that I can see. less