Y A mid 19th century mother of pearl and micromosaic bonbonnière, the panel of a goldfinch perched on a branch against a white ground within a millefiori border, in the manner of the workshop of Giacomo Raffaelli, Rome, the box with silver double gilt mounts, French post 1838 poinçons including Double, 5.7cm (2 1/4in) diameter Giacomo Raffaelli (flourished 1753-1836) came from a family who worked for the Studio del Mosaico della Fabbrica della Basilica di S. Pietro in Rome. He is credited with many of the innovations in mosaici in piccolo, although it is probable some had been developed a little earlier. In 1775 Raffaelli held the first recorded exhibition of micromosaics at his private studio in the Piazza di Spagna. His subject matter was varied, from birds, flowers and animals, to views of the monuments of Rome, all of which were popular with Grand Tourists. See sale Dreweatts, London, Iconic Jewels and Treasures, 3rd December 2015, lot 119 for a similar plaque attributed to Raffaelli inset into a Saxon hardstone bonbonniere by Johan Christian Neuber. A micromosaic plaque attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli, showing a similar bird in reverse and perched on a fruiting branch, is in the Gilbert Collection, inv. no. 1996.623 (MM237). Condition Report: The goldfinch is in good order, no missing or damaged tesserae, the background has two knocked tesserae, but this appears to have been from manufacture, or not long after no missing tessrae. A fine hairline fracture to the mother of pearl under the lid but not to the top section of the lid, the base has a fine fracture seen to one side of the base, but not visible when looking inside. The lid closes well and tightly, the markings are readable and fairly clear, a bit rubbed. General wear commensurate with age. Condition Report Disclaimer