Wonderful antique Italian Grand Tour souvenir of Rome, a micro mosaic cross or crucifix in nickel plated bronze base.  Wonderfully preserved, not a single tiny colored glass tesserae loose or missing as long as I see. As shown at the pictures, all four (4) lobulated forms show a teal-blue almost turquoise predominant color. The one  at the top  of the cross is depicting a black colored panel  with INRI in white color letters, and the one below has a black colored panel designating the cross as a distinguished souvenir of ROMA. The lobulated forms at the sides are hosting  two beautiful crawling doves surrounded by flowers. At the middle of the cross, between the well known Christian symbols of Christ, Creation and End, there is what seems to be a representation of the Saint Graal, followed by a column of blue and white flowers. Next, two bunches of grapes guard an anchor. This anchor is a symbol of Christ who prevents "spiritual shipwreck." Among mystical poets, the anchor and the cross united (cross-anchor) express the will not to abandon oneself to the whirlpools of human sensitivity, fixing the will on the cross of Christ as the source of all grace.
A beautiful outstanding and rare, larger piece!
 
 
MEASURES: 18.50cm  wide, 35cm high, including its standing hanging ring.
ESTIMATED AGE: late 19th Century, 1890.
GENERAL CONDITION:  Excellent condition, not a single flaw to note in all the mosaic work. Brigther colors.
 
Additional info:
The pioneers of this wonderful art were both Greeks and Romans. Italians began creating micromosaics in the Renaissance and gained great popularity in the mid-19th century, when the center of production was the beautiful and immortal Rome.
The micromosaics were applied to different objects such as pieces of jewelry. Favorite scenes to stage include Roman landscapes, religious and mythological themes, flowers, animals, and exterior scenes or scenes inspired by works of pictorial art. The smaller mosaics come from works from the period between the end of the 18th century and the end of the 19th century. The beauty and quality of the micromosaic depended exclusively on the artistic skill of the craftsman as well as his inspiration and aesthetic criteria. Authentic works of art were created that are currently exhibited in museums or private collections of avid collectors whose fascination is passed down from generation to generation.