Micromosaics developed into a popular Roman souvenir in the 19th century. The technique uses minuscule glass pieces just as a painter uses brush-strokes. Cavaliere Michelangelo Barberi (1787-1867) trained as a painter and mosaicist. He nonetheless postulated that technical perfection was not an aim in itself, but rather a ‘service to Rome’ and Italy. The ancient art form mosaic, its revival and further evolution were part of a revolutionary message: at a time when Italians were fighting for political union, Barberi’s monumental tables brought together iconic views showcasing the shared cultural identity of Italy and its ancient roots.

The table was given to the Victoria and Albert Museum by Henry Vaughan (18096-99), an eminent Victorian art collector with wide ranging collecting interests, from early modern decorative arts to contemporary paintings, among them the work of his contemporary William Turner. Vaughan gave this table top to the Museum alongside a larger group of works from his collection. A handwritten label, signed Vaughan, is fixed to the underside of the table top, stating that the ring of stones and marble were ‘found in the Palace of the Caesars on the right of the Forum’. Barberi described the stones as a halo. This is surrounded by Roman monuments, including the Forum, and marble sculptures and medallion portraits of notable Italian figures.

Monuments depicted (clockwise from top): Temple of Vesta, Colosseum, St Peter’s Square, Arch of Titus; ancient and modern Italian worthies: Virgil, Horace, Galileo Galilei, Raphael, Michelangelo, Dante, Emperor Augustus, Cicero; ancient Roman monumental sculpture: Capitoline Flora, Belvedere Apollo, Athena Giustiniani, Aeschines