Marzia Banci, The Counts of Montefeltro Crown
Brooch, 2023, ancient oxidised iron, sterling silver, brilliant-cut diamond, w 4 cm × h 7 cm
The stylised iron and silver crown is a homage to the Counts of Montefeltro that ruled Urbino for 200 years before their duchy was established in 1443, when Pope Eugene IV appointed the first duke, Oddantonio da Montefeltro.
The mounted brilliant-cut diamond alludes precisely to this evolution in the government.
Marzia Banci, Theta
Brooch, 2023, sterling silver, brilliant-cut black diamonds, laurel leaf, w 5.5 cm × h 8.5 cm
Inspired by the Greek letter, the elliptical brooch Theta in silver and brilliant-cut black diamonds set both along the semicircles of the major axis and along the segment that horizontally divides the ellipsis into two equal parts: the two spaces symbolise the Counts and Dukes of Montefeltro, while the axis reminds us that both roles, although equally important, developed distinctly.
The brooch contains a true laurel leaf hinting at the glory of the Montefeltro, and its insertion in the brooch emphasises how the values contained in heraldry are still alive and worthy of respect today.
Marzia Banci, The Fortress of San Leo
Brooch, 2023, sterling silver, 750 gold, crystal rock, local stone, w 5.8 cm × h 8.5 cm
The brooch pays homage to the fortresses that Federico da Montefeltro commissioned the court architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini to build.
Brilliant examples of fortified architecture, the fortresses witness the Duke's ambition to create a state organisation and image that could withstand the pressure of neighbouring states.
The brooch is a silver full relief of the fortress standing on local white stone fragments. Each relief is attached to a rock crystal plate, whose transparency enables 3-D viewing.
The fortresses are gems set in the Marche territory.
