Important collection of carved peach stones

An important collection of thirteen peach stones carved to each side with the heads of Roman Emperors and classical scenes.

From the circle of Properzia de Rossi (1490-1530).

Italian, 16th century.

Approximate measurements of each peach stone:
Height - 2.4 cm
Width - 2 cm
Thickness - 1.1 cm

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The peach stones are conceptually and stylistically related to carvings attributed to the early 16th century, female sculptor Properzia de Rossi (1490 - 1530). Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574) records Properzia de Rossi in his book of c.1550, ’The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects’, in which she was the only woman in his first edition and one of four women in his second edition of c.1568.

A large pendant of filigree silver with the arms of the Grassi Family can be found in the collection of the Museo Civico Medievale (Bologna), it is set with thirteen carved peach and plum stones by Properzia de Rossi.

The crest commissioned by the Grassi family is a highly important example of Properzia de Rossi’s work as a fruit stone carver, as very few artworks can be firmly attributed to this once prolific female sculptor of Renaissance Italy. The thirteen peach and plum stone carvings set within the coat of arms depict saints with their attributes, framed by text revealing their identities. The sculptor of the peach and plum stones is identified as Properzia de Rossi, however the silversmith of the filigree eagle is unknown. The style of carving, composition and font on the Grassi peach and plum stones show remarkable similarities with the peach stones illustrated in this catalogue.