AN ITALIAN GOLD-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL BONBONNIERE SET WITH A MICROMOSAIC PLAQUE

ROME, CIRCA 1810

Details

AN ITALIAN GOLD-MOUNTED TORTOISESHELL BONBONNIERE SET WITH A MICROMOSAIC PLAQUE
ROME, CIRCA 1810
circular dark tortoiseshell box, the cover inset with a micromosaic plaque depicting a view of the Ponte Nomentano in Rome, within red tesserae border and chased gold frame
3 1/8 in. (80 mm.) diam.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot contains endangered specieas and may require a CITES permit.

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Lot Essay

The Ponte Nomentano in antiquity was located outside of the Aurelian Wall and carried the Via Nomentano over the River Aniene. The lower part of the bridge tower dates from the time of Pope Adrian I (772-795), while the imposing castle-like structure was constructed during a general overhaul of the bridge by Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455) and served to protect this important northern approach to Rome.

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