Antique Sterling Silver Micro Mosaic Winged Lion Brooch Venetian Grand Tour Souvenir

This exceptional antique micro mosaic brooch showcases the extraordinary artistry of Italian craftsmen from the Grand Tour era. The central scene features a magnificent winged lion—likely the iconic Lion of St. Mark, symbol of Venice—rendered in exquisite detail with tiny glass tesserae against a dramatic black background. Each minuscule piece of colored glass has been meticulously placed to create this powerful heraldic figure, complete with outstretched wings and flowing banner.

Set within a sterling silver frame with a subtle gold wash, this brooch represents the pinnacle of micro mosaic artistry that flourished during the 19th century when travelers brought home these intricate souvenirs from their Italian journeys. The technique itself dates back to Roman times, but was masterfully revived by Italian artisans who created these miniature masterpieces for discerning collectors. The quality of workmanship here is exceptional—the tesserae are incredibly fine, creating smooth gradations of color and remarkable detail in such a small format.

The winged lion holds particular significance as the symbol of Venice, representing the power and majesty of the former maritime republic. This piece would have been a treasured souvenir for someone who visited Venice during their Grand Tour, capturing the romance and grandeur of one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Condition: Estate condition with excellent preservation of the micro mosaic work. All tesserae are secure with no losses or damage to the intricate scene. Sterling silver frame shows minimal wear consistent with age, with the light gold wash still visible. Pin mechanism functions properly with secure closure. Some light surface wear to the silver frame adds to the authentic vintage character without detracting from the overall beauty.

Key Features:

• Antique micro mosaic brooch featuring winged lion (Lion of St. Mark)
• Sterling silver frame with light gold wash
• Exceptional quality tesserae work with fine detail
• Grand Tour souvenir from Italy, likely 19th century
• Measures approximately 1.75" x 1.5" oval
• Black glass background with multicolored tesserae
• Secure pin mechanism with proper closure
• Venetian symbolism with heraldic significance
• Museum-quality craftsmanship and preservation
• Perfect example of Italian micro mosaic artistry

This brooch represents the height of Grand Tour souvenir artistry, when wealthy travelers commissioned or purchased these intricate works as mementos of their cultural journeys. The micro mosaic technique required incredible skill and patience, making pieces like this highly prized among collectors of antique jewelry and Italian decorative arts.