BY LUIGI A. GALLANDT, ROME, CIRCA 1875

Located amongst various mosaic studios near Rome's iconic Spanish Steps, the studio of Luidi Gallandt witnessed considerable success from the mid-19th century through the 1880s, illustrated by an advertisement in the Guida Monaci of 1881 which stated ‘Manufacture of Mosaics, founded in 1850 by Chevelier L. Gallandt. Foreign gentlemen are entreated to honour this establishment with their visit. In it they will find a great assortment of mosaics’. Gallandt's studio was considered among the best of nearly one hundred Mosaicisti, earning him the title of Cavaliere, and thus his success afforded him the opportunity to produce these magnificent, large-scale mosaics for the most affluent of touring visitors and aristocrats. An identical mosaic depicting the Roman Forum, also by Gallandt, is in the Gilbert Collection (illustrated J. Gabriel, The Gilbert Collection Micromosaics, London, 2000, p. 116, no. 57). Another mosaic by the artist depicting a Papal blessing in St. Peter's square was sold at Christie's, London, 9 July 2015, lot 159 (£362,500).