Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewellery In John Murray’s A Handbook of Rome and its Environs, published in 1869, the entry for Castellani states that ‘It is impossible to surpass in taste and beauty some of his works, unrivalled amongst the
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Rome, in the second half of the 19th century, was a magnet for an ever-growing stream of international travellers. The city’s rich artistic and architectural heritage had made it an obligatory stop on the European Grand Tour in the 18th century but now Rome was catering for the new bourgeois tourist from Europe and America. Fashion-conscious ladies headed for the Castellani shop near the Trevi Fountain to purchase archaeological-style jewellery as stylish and affordable souvenirs – wearing Castellani was in itself a statement which, at the same time, conferred on the wearer an appreciation of Classical and early Christian history. In John Murray’s A Handbook of Rome and its Environs, published in 1869, the entry for Castellani states that ‘It is impossible to surpass in taste and beauty some of his works, unrivalled amongst the Roman jewellers’.
From the local aristocracy to visiting celebrities including the literary couple Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning who purchased jewellery from the firm in 1860 and 1863, the Castellani client list.
Venue:
Gilbert Collection, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, UNITED KINGDOM
Opens:
Thursday 5 May 2005
Closes:
Sunday 18 September 2005
Website:
www.gilbert-collection.org.uk
Public Info:
Tel. +44 (0)20 7420 9400
Sponsors:
The exhibition has been generously supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the New York Consulate General of Italy, the New York Italian Cultural Institute, Camilla Dietz Bergeron and Gus Davis.
Funding for the London show has been generously provided by the
Ten Ten Foundation and anonymous donors.
Organised by The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture, New York, organised and circulated this exhibition which has received the official patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Press Preview:
The preview will be held on Wednesday 4 May from 10 am to 2 pm. Please contact Sue Bond Public Relations for an invitation.
Summary:
Castellani jewellery was inspired by Etruscan and early Christian art then being unearthed around Rome and its faithful revival of ancient techniques was to change the course of jewellery design. This exhibition comprises some 150 objects from private collections and major institutions, and is the first comprehensive overview of this innovative and influential workshop.
Opening Times:
Open daily, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, last admission 5.15 pm
Admission Prices:
Included in admission to permanent collection:
Adult: £5.00 Concessions: £4.00
Under 18s, UK full-time students, unemployed, disabled helpers, and Friends of the Courtauld Institute of Art
Gallery: free
Annual ticket: £20.00
Joint ticket with Hermitage Rooms or Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery: £8.00 (concessions £7.00)
Joint ticket with both Hermitage Rooms and Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery: £12.00 (concessions £11.00)
Catalogue:
The accompanying richly illustrated catalogue (co-published by The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture and Yale University Press) presents thirteen essays by the foremost international scholars of Italian jewellery, archaeology, and 19th century history. Contributing authors are co-curators of the exhibition Susan Weber Soros and Stefanie Walker (The Bard Graduate Center), Maria Grazia Branchetti (State
