This fragment was originally part of the border of one of the most fascinating and famous ancient mosaics, the so-called Doves of Pliny. It depicts four doves perched on the edge of a metal bowl filled with water. The reflection of the doves can be seen on the surface of the water. The subject demands the highest skills of the mosaicist to show the different materials - metal, water, feathers - and reflections in an illusionist way, taking the technique to its very limits. The motif was first invented by the Hellenistic mosaic artist Sosos of Pergamon (active 2nd century BC). Natural historian Pliny the Elder (25-79) described it in his The Natural History as an example of perfect illusionism in the art of mosaics.
This mosaic of Pliny's doves was discovered in 1737, near Hadrian's villa at Tivoli. The central panel is now in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. In the 18th century, it was cut into several small panels of similar size and used as diplomatic gifts. This fragment illustrates this illusionist effect with its floral motifs depicted in a natural way and its two rows of pearls.
Each mosaic is unique and can be presented flat, put into the floor, or presented as a painting (an attaching system is present on the back).
Craft work, full hand made, with many natural stones as marble, granite, travertine, quartz, limestone,...
Leng. : 52 cm ; Width. : 37 cm ; Weight : 2,5 kgs
