This stunning piece was made circa mid-1800s in Italy, and features a religious motif in the shape of an ornate brass cross. Inlaid with tiny glass tiles which form pictures, known as micro-mosaic, it illustrate four major structures important to Catholicism: St. Peter's Square / Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Paul outside the walls, and Basilica of St. Mary. Designed to hang on a wall, this cross was likely purchased during someones "Grand Tour" of Europe; a trip taken by well-to-do young folks as part of their coming-of-age. This particular cross is a bit different in that it has a central medallion of Mary, hand-painted on porcelain, and protected under glass - most micro-mosaic crosses were instead decorated with a metal crucifix.
This gorgeous piece would look wonderful displayed in any home, as a topic of conversation or an addition to an existing collection of religious curiousities. 6" (15cm)L x 4" (10cm)W, $595
