Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelry (Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design & Culture) Book

During the nineteenth century in Rome, three generations of the Castellani family created what they called â??Italian archaeological jewelry,â? 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 familyâ??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 Castellaniâ??s palatial store, and the Castellaniâ??s activities in the trade of antiquities, as they sponsored excavations, and restored, dealt, and exhibited antiques. They also recount the familyâ??s involvement in the cultural and political life of their city and country.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.This richly illustrated book is the catalogue for an exhibition opening in November 2004 at the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture, before traveling to Rome and London.Read More