UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian
(active 14th century in Venice)

Antique Purple Amethyst Vessel with Gold Stem and Heavy Lid

14th century
Gold mounting
Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti, Florence

The amethyst is of antique origin with a modern mount, dating from the fourteenth century and probably made in Venice. Lorenzo de' Medici (the Magnificent) was an avid collector of gems and precious stone vases, this piece may already have been part of his collection.