Marzia Banci, Guidubaldo II Della Rovere
Spilla, 2023, argento 925, argento dipinto, oro 750, largh. 7,8 cm × h. 8,5 cm
The brooch dedicated to Guidubaldo II is made up of a silver rectangle that nestles the painted eyes of the Duke. In the middle, the frame is divided into two materials, silver and gold, whose difference reflects the contrasting aspects of the Duke's life.
The gold plate, sinuous like a wave, emphasises his eminent dynasty, his cultural heritage, and his dedication as a ruler during the first part of his regency. Conversely, the frayed and ragged silver section alludes to the ill-fated choices he made in the last years of his life that weakened the Duchy.
Marzia Banci, The Fortress of Pesaro
Brooch, 2023, sterling silver, 750 gold, rock crystal, green fuchsite, 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 example 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 green fuchsite fragment. Each relief is attached to a rock crystal plate, whose transparency enables 3-D viewing.
The fortresses are gems set in the Marche territory.
Marzia Banci, Bas-reliefs of the Ducal Palaces
Brooches, 2023, sterling silver, chrysoprase, brick, w 7 cm × h 6 cm.
The brooches are a tribute to the places where the dukes lived during their rule. Their rectangular base is contained within a narrow open frame whose right corner is open. The frame is a ray of light that encloses and illuminates the façade of each ducal palace.
In the middle of each brooch a bas-relief stands on a stone or a mineral: Villa Imperiale of Pesaro on chrysoprase, the Ducal Palace of Pesaro on brick.
The bas-reliefs were cast after careful reconstruction of their wax image.
