Un ignoto incisore di gemme: lo scultore e ceroplasta Francesco Pozzi

Abstract

This study resolves the rebus of identifying the unknown engraver not mentioned in any text of glyptic, nor testified by casts of gems and glass pastes, which signs POZZI three intaglios and two cameos, almost all unpublished, and which demonstrate great skill. This is the renowned Tuscan Francesco Pozzi (1790-1844), sculptor in Florence and Rome, and wax modeler. Its varied activity is reconstructed, then both the numerous and prestigious commissions and the five high quality gems are analyzed. An intaglio reproduces the famous painting by Jacques-Louis David, with Napoleon Bonaparte at the Passo del Gran S. Bernardo, two cameos portray the dukes of Modena and Reggio, Francesco IV and his wife Maria Beatrice Vittoria, an intaglio depicts Leopold I king of the Belgians and another an unidentified male bust.