Once you have overcome the sense of wonder aroused by the majesty of the Byzantine mosaics that decorate the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna (they are spectacular!), and after catching your breath and sharpening your eyesight a little, you will notice a truly interesting detail in the mosaic section dedicated to the Matthew the Evangelist.
Depicted as an old man with a beard and long white hair, and overlooked by an angel – his symbol -, the evangelist is sitting on a rock formation flanked by small trees and aquatic plants.
In the lower part of the mosaic, at Matthew’s feet, an elegant heron appears in a lake setting, near what appears to be a turtle.
It is precisely this image that came to mind when we saw the heron micro mosaic brooch for the first time. In many years of study and research, we have come across numerous small mosaic compositions depicting the most varied species of birds: doves, parrots, sparrows, swans… but we had never yet found a heron.
Its naturally distinguished bearing and solitary soul have consecrated it over the centuries as a symbol of meditation and reflection, so much so that in the Middle Ages it was associated with shyness and silence. With the advent of Christianity, the heron was first associated with the “eternal wisdom” of Christ, and then, inspired by Pliny the Elder, the elegant stilt walker was elected as a symbol of the figure of “Jesus Forsaken”, claiming that it cried tears of blood when pain oppressed it. Pliny also considered it a good omen if its flight was directed towards the North or South, since it was said that it freed from dangers and fears.
The heron on our brooch embodies with its elegance all the meanings that have been attributed to it over the centuries. Portrayed with its wings slightly open and its long neck bent forward, it almost seems to hint at a bow. Shiny enamel glass tiles, modeled and positioned with extreme mastery by the anonymous micro mosaicist, give life to the soft, white plumage of the heron, with shades of blue and pink to enhance its plasticity.
The dark background on which the white wading bird stands out, enclosed in an octagonal setting, gives further depth to the image.
Just like in the Byzantine mosaic of S. Vitale, our heron is also depicted in a marshy environment.The ends of the brooch also feature two doves in precious micro mosaic resting on flowering branches and both facing the heron.
The elegant setting of the brooch is in silver (tested).
Rome, 19th century
SIZE:
Length: 7,0 cm
Width: 2,5 cm
Weight: 11,6 g
Price: SOLD
TERMS OF PURCHASE:
Items are sold as presented: we kindly invite our customers to carefully examine all the descriptions, images and videos relating to each object.
In addition to the information contained therein, Antichità al Ghetto shall provide, upon request, further pictures and details.
PAYMENT is to be carried out by bank transfer.
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