Lot 293 Dα

Giovanni Pichler, the most important representative of the Roman Pichler dynasty of gemstone cutters, is considered the most famous neoclassical glyptic artist. In his extensive workshop he produced copies of classical works as well as his own designs, which he published in catalogues with casts and sold as souvenirs of the Grand Tour. In 1769 he created a portrait of Joseph II, which earned him a knighthood and the title of Imperial Gem Cutter. Giovanni signed his works in small, widely spread Greek letters but was often copied by his brother Luigi, who was also highly successful, making an exact attribution difficult.