Synopses & Reviews
During the nineteenth century in Rome, three generations of the Castellani family created what they called and#147;Italian archaeological jewelry,and#8221; which was inspired by the precious Etruscan, Roman, Greek, and Byzantine antiquities being excavated at the time. The Castellani jewelry consisted of finely wrought gold that was often combined with delicate and colorful mosaics, carved gemstones, or enamel. This magnificent book is the first to display and discuss the jewelry and the family behind it.
International scholars discuss the life and work of the Castellani, revealing the wide-ranging aspects of the familyand#8217;s artistic and cultural activities. They describe the making and marketing of the jewelry, the survey collection of all periods of Italian jewelry on display in the Castellaniand#8217;s palatial store, and the Castellaniand#8217;s activities in the trade of antiquities, as they sponsored excavations, and restored, dealt, and exhibited antiques. They also recount the familyand#8217;s involvement in the cultural and political life of their city and country.
About the Author
Susan Weber Soros is founder and director of the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture, where Stefanie Walker is special exhibitions curator.