Explore royal gems and jewel treasures from Windsor Castle, captured in autotype illustrations.
This book presents a curated view of the Royal Cabinet, shown in two glazed cases beside the Private Audience Chamber. It gathers about 292 objects that span Greco-Roman sculpture in gem work, through Byzantine influences, to Renaissance and later pieces, including 17th- and 18th-century imitations. The author focuses on objects of artistic and archaeological interest, using autotypes to bring these remarkable items to life and help readers appreciate their detail and craft.
- See a selection of antique cameos, intaglios, and elaborate pendants that reveal the skill of early goldsmiths and enamelers.
- Learn how portraits and narrative subjects, such as royal figures and mythological scenes, were rendered in stone and metal.
- Discover how collectors shaped the Windsor collection, from royal gifts to notable purchases, and how display and dating contribute to understanding the pieces.
- Understand how mounting, materials, and technique affect dating and artistic appreciation of the gems.
Ideal for readers with an interest in jewelry history, royal collections, and the craftsmanship of antique and Renaissance gems.