A fine and rare Grand Tour micromosaic panel depicting the a...

Hammer

£1,600

A fine and rare Grand Tour micromosaic panel depicting the arch of Janus Quadrifrons, possibly the work of Domenico Moglia, early 19th century; the edifice portrayed in its pre 1830 unrestored condition, with upper storey and foliage, in an open landscape; the backplate of copper; 6.5 x 4cm *NOTE The early 19th century date of this panel, along with the extremely fine workmanship of the miniscule tessellae suggest that Moglia might be a likely candidate for its authorship. There are apparently no other depictions of the Arco di Giano which are attributed to Moglia, but so few depictions of this monument were created that a positive attribution will always be challenging -the attribution therefore in this instance being based on period and quality alone. The Arch itself is of early 4th century origin, although it was constructed of spoil from earlier structures and then faced with marble. It was probably not designed as a triumphal arch, rather it is thought to have served as boundary marker at an important crossroads. The Middle Ages saw the arch's conversion to use as a fortress by the Frangipane clan. It was when their additions were removed in 1830 that the upper level of the arch, having survived since the late Roman period was also mistakenly removed.