An early 19th century Italian micro-mosaic panel that came to light at a valuation event could make up to £7,000 at auction in Ripon.

The panel depicts the Roman Temple of Vesta and will be presented at Elstob Auctioneers’ antiques sale on Wednesday, April 5.

It measures 23cm by 30cm, which is large for a panel of this type, and is mounted in a broad ornate gilt frame 

The Temple of Vesta was an ancient Roman shrine dedicated to the goddess of the hearth, the remains of which are found in the southeast of the Roman Forum beside the Atrium Vestae.

Serving as the temple of the Vestal Virgins – the priestesses dedicated to Vesta – the Temple of Vesta housed an eternal flame, which represented the everlasting nature of the Roman state. If the flame were extinguished, this would indicate bad fortunes for Rome.

David Elstob

David Elstob, auction house director, said:

“This extraordinary piece was brought along to one of our valuation days in Southport.

“At first glance it looked like a painting but closer examination showed that it was actually a mosaic. The pieces are so intricate that you can hardly see them and the craftsmanship is truly amazing.”

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The panel has a guide price of £5,000 to £7,000. 

More information on the auction and antiques for sale can be found at the Elstob Auctioneers website.

Police are appealing for information about the theft of an antique safe from Harrogate.

The safe was stolen from a property on Sussex Avenue between 6.30pm and 8pm on Monday, 10 January. Its value has not been revealed.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“Three people are believed to have been involved and we are appealing to anyone who either saw something suspicious in the area around the time of the burglary or who has seen it since.”

It urged anyone with information to get in touch by emailing sam.clarke2@northyorkshire.police.uk or by calling 101, selecting option 2, and asking for PC Sam Clarke

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference 12230006025 when providing information.

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