Necklace
Antonio Civilotti
(Italian, 1798–1870)
about 1870
(not assigned)Italy
Medium/TechniqueGlass micromosaic, mounted in gold
DimensionsOverall: 0.8 x 41 x 6 cm (5/16 x 16 1/8 x 2 3/8 in.)
Other (clasp): 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Other (clasp): 2 cm (13/16 in.)
Credit LineBequest of Caroline Louise Williams French
Accession number15.231
On View
Not on viewClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
DescriptionAntonio Civilotti, the goldsmith who crafted this exquisite necklace, incorporated micromosaic ornaments symbolizing Rome’s imperial past. The central portrait is of Julius Caesar, Rome’s dictator during the mid-first century b.c., and includes a Latin inscription that means "I am the leader." The necklace’s other allusions to Rome’s glorious past include the eagle, the initials SPQR (Senate and Roman people), and the fasces, a bundle of sticks with a double ax that symbolized power and jurisdiction.
InscriptionsStamped indistinctly on clasp c777, crossed keys and crown ?Provenance1915, bequest of Caroline Louisa Williams French (b. 1833 - d. 1914), Boston, to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 1, 1915)
late 18th–early 19th century
early to mid-19th century
late 18th century
18th century