Rome.

The history of the renowned Castellani family goes back centuries. The family were goldsmiths, collectors and antique dealers, creating an enormous business ‘Empire’.

Fortunato Pio Castellani was regarded as the forefather of the family, and in 1814, at the young age of just 20 years old, he opened his own workshop in Rome. He would imitate, and seek inspiration, from ancient jewellery. It is thought that his first pieces in the archaeological style date from circa 1832. Fortunato had three sons - Augusto, Alessandro and Guglielimo. Augusto and Alessandro focussed on the trade of the workshops jewels, and sales of archaelogical finds.

A beautiful piece of green marble which was probably given by one of the two sons. Labels present to the front and back. To the front an earlier, smaller 18th Century label reads ‘ROME’. The later 19th Century label to the rear reads ‘Given by Castalleni, Roma 1865'. Finished to the bottom right hand corner with the initials ‘M.E.S.’

Many of the items from the family collection were donated to the Italian state. A superb item attributed to a family of historical interest.

Measures 11cm x 5.5cm.

SOLD