Large Roman Micromosaic Up For Auction
Filed under: Art
Auction Central News drew my attention to a stunning micromosaic that is being auctioned off by Myers Auction Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida as part of their January 30 European & Asian Antiques auction.
The massive piece is 32 by 59 inches and weighs more than 100 pounds. The piece is attributed to master mosaicist Cesare Roccheggiani, who was active at the Vatican workshops from 1856 to 1864. These micro mosaics were just part of the massive industry of selling art to tourists embarking on their Grand Tour of Europe but most were far smaller than this one. The piece depicts the ancient Roman Forum and since the 1920s this piece has been in the home of a Tampa businessman. When the home was sold in the 1980s, the new owners purchased the piece but now the estate artwork is up for sale.
This piece is unsigned but bears a striking resemblance to a signed work of very similar size and subject that sold at Christie's London in December for £337,250 ($533,192) against an estimate of £100,000 - £200,000. The Auction Central News article quotes Michael Myers, founder and co-owner of Myers Auction Gallery who says that his firm believes that although unsigned it is "almost certainly the work of Roccheggiani."
It is being offered with a $100,000-$200,000 estimate. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com. Check out detailed images of this extraordinary piece here.
Amy Adams' Bikini Body Isn't What You'd Expect ...
St. Louis Sports Bar Gives Man Receipt Criticizing His Child
Helen Lost 82 Pounds: 'Helping Others Is What Life Is All About'
'Undercover Boss': Top 4 Moments From Season 4 [VIDEO]
Las Vegas Court Officials Accused Of Covering Up Sex Assault [VIDEO]
What's Behind This Door Is Terrifying
Groomers Lose Dog, Claim Not Responsible
Male Judge Sets Dress Code For Female Lawyers And Sparks Uproar
Michael Hastings Dead At 33
'Lone Ranger' Star Johnny Depp Opens Up About Split From Vanessa Paradis
The Story Behind Shapewear: From Girdles to Spanx
41 Busted In Child Sex Sting
'Grease' Cast: Where Are They Now?
Walmart vs. Costco: How Do They Really Compare?
5 Ways To Get A Flat Stomach -- While Standing Up
Careless Chinese Baggage Handler Really Throws Himself Into His Work
WATCH: Porn Star Says My Dad's Angry I Ruined Porn For Him
PHOTO: Brazilian Officer Pepper-Sprays Female Protester In The Face
PHOTOS: Beautifully Abandoned America
Men's Wearhouse Abruptly Fires Its Founder, Spokesman
Khloe's Workout Photos Are Pretty Alarming
LOOK: Teen Was 'Shamed' By TSA Officer For This Outfit
'Today' About To Undergo Another Overhaul
LOOK: China Invented The Weirdest Way Ever To Ward Off Pervs
Outrage Over Class Photo: 'Adults Should Know Better'
WATCH: The Amazing Moment A Trapped Fox Approaches Men For Help
Axl Rose Doesn't Look Like This Anymore ...
7 Beautiful Actresses Who Were Told They Weren't Pretty Enough
Couple Finds Ancient Skeleton In Backyard, May Have To Foot $5,000 Excavation Bill
Inside Kim Kardashian's Pregnancy Nightmare
EPIC FAIL
Helen's Secret Surgery