Micromosaic, malachite and specimen marble circular table

The ebonised wood table stands on a turned stem, which is set on four scrolled legs on slim square feet. The stem is topped by scrolled supports which carry the weight of the circular top.

The top is decorated with a beautiful design, which is centred on a micromosaic medallion depicting St Peter’s Square. This is encircled by a belt of deep blue stone. The medallion is ringed by eight more micromosaic panels which portray views of (clockwise from the top) the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus, Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Vesta, the Colosseum, Forum, Castel Saint’ Angelo and the Bridge, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. These micromosaics are framed by a circular band, composed of different types of marble. This band is edged with green malachite. 

This table has been attributed to the Vatican Mosaic Workshop which was officially opened in the early 18^th Century. The workshop was originally set up to create mosaics to replace the paintings in St Peter’s Basilica which were in poor condition. Over time, however, craftsmen in the studio began to create other more autonomous works, like this table.