The E-Sylum:  Volume 6, Number 31, August 3, 2003, Article 11

FAMOUS CELLINI GOLDWORK STOLEN

  Dick Johnson writes: "Perhaps the most exquisite work of
  Renaissance goldsmithing, Cellini?s Salt Cellar was stolen
  back on May 11th. It was taken from its heavy glass case in
  a Viennese museum, the Kunsthistorisches Museum.  It may
  cost the director his job since the treasure, valued at $57
  million and one of a kind, has not been returned in nearly
  three months and the theft was undoubtedly due to lax security.

  Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1574) was an Italian medallist,
  sculptor, in addition to being the world's most outstanding
  goldsmith. He engraved and struck coins and seals and cast
  medals. Despite his colorful career (he killed his brother's
  murderer), he wrote two books, his ?Autobiography? and
  ?Treatise on Goldsmithing,? both of which discuss his
  technology of engraving and minting.  He was an early
  proponent of the screw press over the hammer method to
  create his excellent productions from dies he engraved
  himself.

  Book Notes:  I have studied both of Cellini?s books, and
  have several editions of his Autobiography in my library.
  The most modern work on Cellini is a coffee-table edition
  by John Pope-Hennessy (former director of the British
  Museum) with scrumptious photographs by David Finn
  (of New York City). The Salt Cellar occupies the entire
  Chapter five (pages 101-132) with dozens of detailed
  views of the Renaissance goldwork. A detail of the female
  figure is the frontispiece.  Cellini?s coins, medals and seals
  occupy chapters three and four."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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