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Plaque
Castellani, born 1823 - died 1883 - Enlarge image
Plaque
- Place of origin:
Italy (made)
- Date:
ca. 1870-1880 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Castellani, born 1823 - died 1883 (probably, maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Gold, with granulation
- Museum number:
636-1884
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, room 91, case 21, shelf A, box 5
It is probable that this necklace was made by Alessandro Castellani who's fine workmanship makes it hard for the eye to differentiate between his techniques used to imitate antique jewellery and those of the Ancient World. Under the microscope the differences are much clearer. The granulated design and "Etruscan" inscription on this plaque were produced using particles of solder to secure the very small grains of gold.
In antiquity, an organic glue and a substance containing copper was spread on the gold and the jewellery heated. At 850 degrees centigrade the carbon from the burnt glue reacts with the substance containing copper to release pure copper. This copper lowers the melting point of the gold. It alloys with, and diffuses into, the gold thus bonding the sheet, wires and granules in place.
