Giacomo Foscarini e i gioielli di famiglia

The essay addresses the potential significance of family jewels depicted in Renaissance portraits. The will of the Venetian nobleman Giacomo (Jacopo) Foscarini is a case in point. Foscarini’s decision to bequeath specific pieces of jewellery to his daughters and daughter-in-law reflects a family and emotional hierarchy. On this basis, the document proves to be a useful tool through which we may be aware that many jewels depicted in the portraits are a mirror not only of the material wealth of the sitters, but also of intangible values, such as their personal and emotional bonds.