Under the guidance of Gabriele Vangelli de Cresci, the Glyptics Department is dedicated to the study and enhancement—through auctions and private sales—of engraved gemstones and hard stones in intaglio or cameo, tracing the history of glyptics from antiquity and up to the 19th century. Special attention is given to the miniature works produced during the Greco-Roman period, known for the refinement of the engravings and the symbolic complexity of the represented motifs.
The glyptics auction catalogues feature cameos, intaglios, seals, and other small engraved objects, refined miniature works that testify to their historical and cultural role as emblems of prestige and identity. For this reason, glyptics auctions represent valuable opportunities to buy valuable lots with whom start or enrich a collection. In addition, ancient cameos and seals are significant tools for analysis by collectors and enthusiasts of this ancient art.
Works of small size capable of bringing to light the art and skill of past engravers, the items offered in glyptics auctions are selected based on several criteria, including origin, quality of craftsmanship, materials, and the cultural and symbolic significance represented. Mythological scenes, portraits of illustrious figures, myths and stories, as well as symbols of protection or family affiliation, the stone engravings proposed in the auctions often have a historical value that surpasses their aesthetic appeal.
The experts of the Glyptics Department offer professional services as the valuation of cameos, intaglios and engraved objects. In addition, the Department's staff cater to the selection, cataloguing, and placement on the Italian and international market of engraved gemstones and stones, both in Bertolami Fine Art auctions and in private sales. This sale method is reserved for lots of particular historical interest or high economic value.
The experts of the Glyptics Department also offer a specialized appraisal service.
Coming from an ancient family of engravers, medallists, and senior officials of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Gabriele Vangelli de Cresci has always worked with ancient and modern glyptics. A scholar and collector, he combines his scientific research and cataloging activities—also conducted as a researcher and curator of the Museo dell'Antica Zecca di Lucca—with expertise in the sector's market. He is currently publishing a volume dedicated to the unpublished collection of prints housed at the Fondazione Museo dell’Antica Zecca di Lucca, consisting of over 7,000 specimens. This work will present to the scientific community and enthusiasts a unique Italian craft, having operated at the highest quality levels with entirely distinctive methods.
The glyptics auction catalogues feature cameos, intaglios, seals, and other small engraved objects, refined miniature works that testify to their historical and cultural role as emblems of prestige and identity. For this reason, glyptics auctions represent valuable opportunities to buy valuable lots with whom start or enrich a collection. In addition, ancient cameos and seals are significant tools for analysis by collectors and enthusiasts of this ancient art.
Works of small size capable of bringing to light the art and skill of past engravers, the items offered in glyptics auctions are selected based on several criteria, including origin, quality of craftsmanship, materials, and the cultural and symbolic significance represented. Mythological scenes, portraits of illustrious figures, myths and stories, as well as symbols of protection or family affiliation, the stone engravings proposed in the auctions often have a historical value that surpasses their aesthetic appeal.
The experts of the Glyptics Department offer professional services as the valuation of cameos, intaglios and engraved objects. In addition, the Department's staff cater to the selection, cataloguing, and placement on the Italian and international market of engraved gemstones and stones, both in Bertolami Fine Art auctions and in private sales. This sale method is reserved for lots of particular historical interest or high economic value.
The experts of the Glyptics Department also offer a specialized appraisal service.
Coming from an ancient family of engravers, medallists, and senior officials of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Gabriele Vangelli de Cresci has always worked with ancient and modern glyptics. A scholar and collector, he combines his scientific research and cataloging activities—also conducted as a researcher and curator of the Museo dell'Antica Zecca di Lucca—with expertise in the sector's market. He is currently publishing a volume dedicated to the unpublished collection of prints housed at the Fondazione Museo dell’Antica Zecca di Lucca, consisting of over 7,000 specimens. This work will present to the scientific community and enthusiasts a unique Italian craft, having operated at the highest quality levels with entirely distinctive methods.
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