Book

The Beverley Collection of gems at Alnwick Castle

Scarisbrick, Diana, author, Wagner, Claudia, D. Phil., author, Boardman, John, 1927- author, Beazley Archive, issuing body

Overview

The Collection was begun by the First Duchess of Northumberland in the early eighteenth century; but the greater part of it was made later in the century by Algernon Percy, First Earl of Beverley, during a tour of Europe while in the company of his mentor, Louis Dutens. Their success in France and Italy was such that it incited the jealousy of the Empress Catherine of Russia, herself a passionate collector. The range of objects - cameos, intaglios and finger rings of the highest quality - is considerable: Greek, Roman and Etruscan, as well as a notable assemblage of neoclassical signed gems by British artists. One jewel clearly provided inspiration for Michelangelo's painting of Adam on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The Collection is little known, except by connoisseurs, but this volume brings to the attention of a broader audience many of the finest products of one of the oldest arts of the western world.

• Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers
• Subject: Alnwick Castle (Alnwick, England) Catalogs. / Gems Private collections Catalogs.
• ISBN: 9781781300442, 1781300445

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
NK5511.G7 A46 2017	1	BOOK	ARTS