Micromosaic work

Micromosaic is a type of decorative art that involves creating small, intricate designs using tiny pieces of glass or stone called tesserae. Rome is famous for its micromosaic art, which can be found in many of the city’s churches and museums.

During the Grand Tour, which was a popular travel trend in the 17th and 18th centuries, wealthy European travelers would often visit Rome and purchase micromosaic souvenirs as a way to remember their trip. These souvenirs included small boxes, jewelry, and other decorative items that featured intricate micro mosaic designs.

Today, micromosaic souvenirs can still be found in many high-end antique shops and galleries. They were a unique and beautiful way to remember one’s trip to the Eternal City.

Cesare Roccheggiani and Giacomo Raffaelli

Cesare Roccheggiani and Giacomo Raffaelli were both Italian micro-mosaic artists who were active in the 19th century. They were known for creating intricate micro-mosaic pieces that were highly sought after by wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour.

During the 19th century, the Grand Tour was a popular travel route taken by young European aristocrats to experience the cultural and historical sites of Italy and other European countries. Micro-mosaic pieces were a popular souvenir among these travelers, as they were highly detailed and often depicted famous landmarks and scenes from classical mythology.

Roccheggiani and Raffaelli were among the most skilled micro-mosaic artists of their time, and their works can still be found in museums and private collections today. One of their most famous works is a micro-mosaic panel depicting the Roman Forum, which is currently housed in the Vatican Museums.