Crucifix With Micromosaics

Rome, second half of the 19th century

Dimensions: 41 x 24 cm – Christ: 14 cm (h)

An elegant 19th-century crucifix composed of a cross in silvered metal, enriched with six Roman micromosaics set into the trilobed ends. At the center stands the figure of Christ crucified, fully sculpted in silver, finely chiselled with remarkable anatomical detail and expressive intensity.

The micromosaics depict major Roman basilicas:

• Top: St. Peter’s Basilica;

• Sides: St. John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore;

• Bottom: St. Paul Outside the Walls;

• Center of the crossbar: a dove of the Holy Spirit, surrounded by floral motifs on a turquoise background;

• Other arms: delicate decorations of small white and pink flowers on a blue background.

The minute glass tesserae (“filati”) are laid with great precision, in keeping with the finest Roman mosaic workshops of the 19th century. The contrast between the luminous silver Christ and the vibrant colors of the micromosaics creates a visually and spiritually striking composition.