Micromosaic Box With Gold Frame, A Souvenir From The Italian “grand Tour,” Early 19th Century
The erroneously named Temple of Minerva Medica is, in fact, a ruined nymphaeum of Imperial Rome, lying between the via Labicana and Aurelian Walls. At one time, it was thought to be the temple to Minerva Medica ("Minerva the Doctor") mentioned by Cicero and other sources. In fact it is a nymphaeum, a building devoted to the nymphs and often connected to the water supply, that dates to the 4th century. The full dome of the structure, seen here in the mosaic, collapsed in 1828. It was a place of interest to visiting Grand Tourists and was the subject of an etching of 1764 by Francesco Piranesi in his influential series Vedute di Roma.
Period: 19th century
Style: Rome and Antic Greece
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Gold
Diameter: 8 cm
Reference (ID): 1810102
Availability: In stock
