Quantcast
  We are temporarily changing parts of Farlang until November 30th and apologize for any inconvenience Portal logo
Login/Register
 
/gemstones/king-gems-decorative-stones/page_127 - 2
 

Crystallus, Rock-crystal

Crystallus, Rock-crystal Page of 384 Crystallus, Rock-crystal Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
118
NATURAL HISTORY OF GEMS.
enormously magnifies the figures on the fiat surface beneath, when seen through it. That this was the object of the Frankish goldsmith in thus employing such intagli in ornamentation, appears from the fact that the famous Beryl of Evodus was similarly reversed in the " Escrin de Charle­magne ; " and from the optical illusion thus designedly created, the head of Julia is described by those that fir-t mention it as being in relief. Both the plaques above quoted have fortunately been secured for the British Museum within the last few years.
From the very commencement of the Revival, Crystal was employed once more for its ancient and proper destina­tion, the formation of vases in the most elegant and varied forms ; as early as the close of the fifteenth century, Camillo particularizes this as the sole use of the material. This branch of industry, so eminently artistic in its character, flourished most vigorously for the two following centuries, as the sight of the older European cabinets fully attests ; and its productions, when remarkable for magnitude or skill, commanded then (and even now) the highest prices. The works in Crystal belonging to the Crown of France are valued in the inventory drawn up in 1792 at one million of francs (40,000Z.), comprising vases of numerous different shapes, fifteen candlesticks, statuettes, a Death's Head, &c, and a ball º65 m. in diameter (6-1/2 inches) valued at 10,000 francs; a galley, -335 m. (12 inches) long, at 24,000 francs ; and a square coffer formed of six plaques, at 4000 francs.
Such objects will find their value augment with the pro­gress of time in the same proportion as their rarity ; for in our days this elegant art is entirely extinct. It has been completely driven out of the field by the invention of Strass, of Flint-glass, and of artificial Crystal ; substances superior to the natural in homogeneousness, purity, and lustre,
Crystallus, Rock-crystal Page of 384 Crystallus, Rock-crystal
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page