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Lot Essay
A member of the dynasty of highly successful mosaicists, Antonio Aguatti (or Aquatti) was noted as being one of the most distinguished micromosaic artists of his era. His studio, located at 96 Piazza di Spagna, was also credited with the technique of fusing different colours of micromosaic, allowing for a more painterly quality to the medium. In 1810 his work was shown at the Capitoline exhibition of 'Roman Works of Art and Industry', held at the Campidoglio, and from 1832 until his death in 1846 he was professor of mosaics at the Vatican workshops.
The source for the scene depicted in this fine micromosaic by Aguatti is almost certainly a print or painting by the Bohemian-born artist, Wenceslaus Peter (d. 1829). Peter spent his working life in Rome, where he achieved considerable fame as the finest animal painter of the age. Perhaps his largest commission was a series of 162 animal paintings to decorate the entrance hall of the Villa Borghese for Prince Marcantonio Borghese. Peter's fame was such that his works were often interpreted in other mediums, most notably micromosaics.
The source for the scene depicted in this fine micromosaic by Aguatti is almost certainly a print or painting by the Bohemian-born artist, Wenceslaus Peter (d. 1829). Peter spent his working life in Rome, where he achieved considerable fame as the finest animal painter of the age. Perhaps his largest commission was a series of 162 animal paintings to decorate the entrance hall of the Villa Borghese for Prince Marcantonio Borghese. Peter's fame was such that his works were often interpreted in other mediums, most notably micromosaics.