The art of Jewelry in the Renaissance – The Gems of the Medici at the Bowers Museum

In the mid-1400s, Florence was a main destination for artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers. The presence of the Medici family, committed to protect artists and to commission precious objects, gathered talents from all over Italy and the rest of Europe. Their presence contributed into making Florence the most important center for art production, including jewelry.

 

The Medici family created workshops for artists and artisans, and commissioned a high number of pieces of art and antiquity. Some of them are now part of amazing collections. Among these, the Gems of the Medici is probably the most precious. 

 

Some of the oldest and most unique pieces that belong to this collection are now on view at the Bowers Museum of Santa Ana (CA), documenting the sumptuous life of Florentines families and the collections owned by the dynasties that ruled Tuscany, with specific attention to the Medici and Lorraine families.

 

The world premier exhibition, on view until September 15, 2013, highlights some of the most unique pieces of the Medici collections, extremely valuable jewels that bear witness to the Italian history and culture. Organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, in collaboration with Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale of Florence, the exhibit includes antiquities dating from the 1st Century BC as well as a cornelian which was part of the Seal of Nero. Funding at the Bowers Museum is provided by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and DeSantis Family.

 

The Bowers Museum is located at 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA. More information about the Gems of Medici at www.bowers.com