Museum quality large antique Etruscan Revival Grand Tour carnelian intaglio 15K yellow gold locket bracelet
Circa 1860
The impressive scale of this stunning bracelet indicates that it was created for a very wealthy individual, likely to commemorate a Grand Tour voyage. The exquisitely engraved carnelian intaglio depicts a complex scene with classical Roman architectural buildings, possibly the Piazza del Popolo in Rome, surrounded by angels with Christ amidst clouds watching over the Eternal City and being crowned by angels. The impressive size of the intaglio and superb execution point to this piece being created in Rome by a jeweler possibly associated with the Vatican Workshops. Rome was the pinnacle of attraction of the Grand Tour- the seat of papal splendour, capital of the ancient world and a treasure trove of art. Numerous fine jewelers worked tirelessly to create beautiful mementos to commemorate the Grand Tour travels of the wealthy. The Castellani family, Carlo Giuliano, Cesare Roccheggiani are among the prominent makers who supplied Grand Tour jewels. The demand for these was so strong that British Crown jewelers...
Category
19th Century European Etruscan Revival Antique Berkshires - Bangles