ATTRIBUTED TO CESARE ROCCHEGIANNI, ROME, CIRCA 1880

This fine and large mosaic panel is closely related to works produced by the accomplished mosaicist Cesare Roccheggiani and his contemporaries who sought to supplement their income by establishing their own wokshops making mosaics for dealers and tourists on Grand Tour.
In her extensive research of the artist, Jeanette Hanisee-Gabriel suggests that he may also have apprenticed under the celebrated master Michelangelo Barberi, evidenced by his apparent use of Barberi’s distinctive designs. The central roundel of Romulus and Remus after Rubens with its monochromatic acanthus border and radiating views is incorporated on two tabletops, titled Il bel cielo d'Italia, attributed to Barberi (J. Hanisee-Gabriel, Micromosaics: Private Collections, 2016, p. 32-33). A related table by Barberi commissioned in 1845 by Tsar Nicholas I is now in the Hermitage.
As a likely successor to Barberi, Roccheggiani's skill was unparalleled and is perhaps most apparent on large scale works such as the present lot. In her extensive research of the artist, Jeanette Hanisee-Gabriel suggests that he may also have apprenticed under the celebrated master Michelangelo Barberi, evidenced by his apparent use of Barberi’s distinctive designs. The central roundel of Romulus and Remus after Rubens with its monochromatic acanthus border and radiating views is incorporated on two tabletops, titled Il bel cielo d'Italia, attributed to Barberi (J. Hanisee-Gabriel, Micromosaics: Private Collections, 2016, p. 32-33).