Description

During the 17th and 18th century, collecting Ancient hardstone gems was an area restricted to the wealthy and super wealthy, and it was during this period that the great European collections were formed. The curious collectors and travellers to Rome of the 19th century were able to buy large groups of finely cast intaglio copies, such as these and were able to choose the historical themes and subject to make a cohesive scheme. These were arranged in paper lined, stacking wooden trays and on the better editions each gem with a numbered, gilt paper mount. This relates precisely to a libretto allowing study of the subject and stylistic schools.

Tomasso Cades (1775-1850) was an Italian engraver based in Via del Corso, Rome, best known for his copying and production of plaster intaglios. His inventory comprised 6,000 models on his retirement and over 5,000 according to his trade label on these trays which we are dating to 1810-1820.

This complete set of 400 intaglios is one of these rare, numbered sets, with two hand written libretti precisely explaining the historical contents of this collection as well as the provenance of the gem where known. The set comprises eight trays, each with approximately fifty casts, and divided into two subjects; Ancient Philosophers (100 gems) and Figures of Ancent Rome (300 gems).

The stacking method, which is almost unique to the business of selling intaglios, has kept this set in fine condtion. Protected from the sun and dust/pollution within the trays, there is very little sign of 200 years of careful use. Even the two libretti, which are loosely stitched sheets of paper, are in excellent condition. Added to this, the makers label of Thomas Cades is pasted to the inside lid on each box of four trays. The exterior of the boxes are patinated with age but in excellent condition and typical of the age and period.