18th century Italian gilded crown adorned with rare calcite crystals. The calcite crystal formation comes from Elmwood Mine, Tennessee which is known for the world's finest crystallized calcite. With the unusual formation of sphalerite, it is unequaled by those from any other part of the world (referenced from the "American Mineral Treasure" book, pg. 337). The weight of the crystal is 2.5 lbs. It is a museum specimen along with the historical angel artifact. The crown was originally part of an architectural canopy of a devotional structure or altar in a historical Italian church. The piece has been preserved and transformed into a figurative work of art.

This piece is part of the Crown Collection, which is exhibiting with the Museo de' Medici in Florence, Italy from May 16th until June 14th. The Museo de' Medici or “the Medici Museum” is located in the monumental Rotonda Brunelleschi which was designed in 1432 and built by Filippo Brunelleschi, a famous Italian architect who also built the Florence dome. He is also considered a founding father of Renaissance architecture. The Museo de’ Medici is devoted to preserving the history of the Medici family and exhibiting precious collections of works of art, historical relics, original documents, faithful reconstructions and multimedia installations.

This collection pays homage to the Medici dynasty - the powerful Italian banking family and political dynasty that rose to prominence in Florence during the Renaissance. They had significant influence for centuries, not only in Florence but also across Europe, through their wealth, political power, and patronage of the arts. They are a monumental reason the Renaissance flourished in Florence and can be thanked today for their contributions towards artists and the rich history of art we can appreciate today. 

* Find our full selection of crowns in The Crown Collection.