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1 of 253523 objects
Gems, stones and amulets c. 1630
Watercolour and bodycolour with some silver and gold paint over black chalk | 39.3 x 24.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 925496
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A watercolour and bodycolour depiction of 25 different stones; No. 56 = jade, No. 65 aburstone (from India), No. 68 = green tranlucent jade/prase, No. 69 = Egyptian jasper, No. 73 = cornelian, No. 74 = bloodstone. This striking line-up of gems, minerals, and semi-precious stones recalls the way such specimens were stored in ‘cabinets of curiosities’. Some of the items were prized for their rarity or exotic origin, such as the Abur stone from Rajasthan at centre left numbered 65, or the green and white jade on the top row, numbered 56, which probably came from China. Others were mounted in gold or silver, pierced and threaded, to be worn as amulets.
Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762
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Creator(s)
(artist)Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour with some silver and gold paint over black chalk
Measurements
39.3 x 24.4 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 25496