ROSSI, Properzia de'
(b. ca. 1490, Bologna, d. 1530, Bologna)

Carved Cherry Stone Pendant

1510-30
Gold, diamonds, enamel, pearls and cherry stone, 4,2 x 2,3 cm
Museo degli Argenti, Palazzo Pitti, Florence

Although it is debated, Propezia de'Rossi is generally accepted as the sculptor of this jewel. The exquisite cherry stone is carved with more than one hundred heads. It is set within a pendant formed by a laurel garland in gold enamelled with diamonds. It belonged to the collection of Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici.