Paoletti impronte. [8 Volumes] [A collection of over 820 Plaster Medallions, Presented in Eight Vellum-Bound Double-Sided Faux Book-Boxes.]

Rome, mid-19th century. 8 volumes. 823 white plaster cast medallions each bordered with gilt paper, manuscript numbers added in ink, generally between 1.5 and 5 cm in diameter (some larger). Arranged and mounted in recessed double-sided faux book-boxes, lined with red paper. Manuscript list of contents (not entirely corresponding to the content) in brown ink to front and rear pastedowns of each volume. In original, matching, full vellum binding, gilt spines with 2 labels lettered "Paoletti" and "Impronte opere antiche" or "Impronte opere moderne" with the volume number. A few medallions detached from backing, three with visible traces of crack, and one broken. Some of the bindings are partly dusted, some labels are rubbed with losses to the extremities. Front panel of Vol. 16 discolored, spine somewhat rubbed labels worn. Overall in fine condition. Generally a very well-preserved collection.. 8 volumes. 823 white plaster cast medallions each bordered with gilt paper, manuscript numbers added in ink, generally between 1.5 and 5 cm in diameter (some larger). Arranged and mounted in recessed double-sided faux book-boxes, lined with red paper. Manuscript list of contents (not entirely corresponding to the content) in brown ink to front and rear pastedowns of each volume. In original, matching, full vellum binding, gilt spines with 2 labels lettered "Paoletti" and "Impronte opere antiche" or "Impronte opere moderne" with the volume number. Box size: ca. 34 × 22 cm. An 8-volume collection of 19th-century plaster impressions of intaglios and other engraved gems, and miniature copies of ancient and later sculptures and monuments in matching original bindings, manufactured by the Paoletti firm.

A fine collection of mid-19th century plaster medallions (intaglios, cameos) known in Italian as 'impronte', manufactured by the Paoletti family, Bartolomeo Paoletti (1757-1834) and his son, Pietro (1801-1847) in Rome. These souvenirs became highly popular among aristocratic and fashionable travelers on the Grand Tour during the early part of the 19th century, especially from England. Such distinguished figures as Goethe, Catherine the Great (Belozerskaya 2013, p. 201-3), Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Lord Elgin were among the clients of the Paoletti firm.

Like a miniature museum of the history of art, these carefully arranged and mounted plaster impressions show mythological or classical scenes, portraits of Greek and Roman gods, emperors, warriors, philosophers, and poets, masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, and portraits of famous artists and writers. Many of the intaglios are life-size copies of ancient gems, cameos, coins and medals others are miniature representations of classic or later sculptures and portraits.

Four of our volumes cover antique themes and the other four are dedicated to "modern art". The antique section comprises a volume titled Impronte in Stucco cavate dalle Gemme Antiche and contains 116 portraits of Greek and Latin poets and philosophers, antique military leaders, and rulers. Each of the remaining three volumes is titled Istoria-Miteologica they comprise medallions (119+135+109) of mythological and classical scenes and portraits.

The first volume of Impronte opere moderne has a mixed content of Opere del Secolo XVI, chiamato 500 (13), Opere Moderne Di Antonio Picler [Anton Pichler] (7), Opere di Giuseppe Picler [Johann-Joseph (Giuseppe) Pichler] (12), Opere di [Nathaniel] Marchant (49). The next two volumes, are titled Opere di varj Autori and contain examples of miscellany "modern art" (127+96), and the last one, titled Incisioni appartenenti a S A. il S.e Pr'pe Poniathowski is a selection of 40 pieces of the Poniatowski gems.

Literature: Belozerskaya M. 2013. Medusa's Gaze: The Extraordinary Journey of the Tazza Farnese. New York: Oxford University Press.; Lucia Pirzio B. S. 2013. La collezione Paoletti. Stampi in vetro per impronte di intagli e cammei II. Roma: Gangemi.