Italian Goldsmiths

Pace di Valentino (c. 1200's - c. 1296)

His major works include the Altar of San Jacopo in the Pistoia Cathedral and the Reliquary of the Head of San Galgano

Guccio di Mannaia (1200's - 1300's)

Best known for a 13th-century decorated gold-plated chalice, which contains the first documented use of translucent enamels using the technique known as basse-taille and which served as a model for the future production of chalices.

Lorenzo Ghiberti (1381-1455)

Best remembered as the creator of the bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, known as the Gates of Paradise. His other works include the doors of the northern portal of the Florence Baptistery and bronze statues of St. John the Baptist, St. Matthew and St. Stephen, among others.

Nicola da Guardiagrele (1385 - c. 1462)

Goldsmith, painter and etcher. His most notable goldsmith works are the Monstrance of Francavilla, the Monstrance of Atessa and the Antependium of Teramo.

Bernardo Cennini (1415-1498)

Goldsmith, sculptor and printer. Remembered for producing the first book printed at Florence.

Maso Finiguerra (1426-1464)

Goldsmith, niellist, draftsman, and engraver. Remembered as the inventor of chalcography (engraving on copper plates as a printmaking technique). Most of his works are lost.

Antonio del Pollaiuolo (c. 1431-1498)

Painter, sculptor, engraver and goldsmith. His most important work in gold is the Parament of San Giovanni.

Caradosso (c. 1452 - c. 1527)

Considered the most excellent goldsmith of his time. His works include many reliquaries, morses and crosiers.

Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio (1500-1565)

Engraver, goldsmith and medallist. Best known as one of the first reproductive printmakers in Italy and for playing a significant role in diffusing advanced Mannerist style around Italy and Europe.

Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571)

Renaissance polymath. Best known as a painter, sculptor and goldsmith. One of the most important artists of Mannerism. His most celebrated medal works include the gold medallion of Leda and the Swan, Hercules and the Nemean Lion in gold, Atlas Supporting the Sphere in gold, and the Cellini Salt Cellar.