M325

M32518th 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). It is a museum specimen along with the historical angel artifact. The crown was originally part

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). 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 27th until June 28th. The collection is displaying in Museo de' Medici’s Cappella dei Nobili in the former monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli. The event will coincide with the museum’s reopening of the chapel. The Cappella dei Nobili was built in the 14th century and was originally created as an elegant devotional space for the monastic community. All of the elements of the chapel converged to create one of the most exquisite expressions of Florentine late Gothic art and 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.