Benedetto Pistrucci

Benedetto Pistrucci (29 May 1783 – 16 September 1855) was a distinguished Italian Gem-engraver, medallist and coin-engraver who became Chief-medallist at the Royal Mint in England.

Pistrucci was born in Rome, second son, of a family of three, of Federico Pistrucci, a judge in the federal court, and Antonia (née Greco). His elder brother Phillip became a painter, copper-plate engraver and poet. He was educated in Rome, Bologna and Naples, but was not an outstanding scholar. However, he acquired an interest in art and received instruction first from a cameo engraver known as "Mango", in Rome, then trained under Stefano Tofanelli.

During his recovery from a serious injury sustained in a fight, Pistrucci taught himself to model in wax at home. His models attracted favourable attention and led to his employment as a cameo maker for a merchant called Domenico Desalief. At the age of 15, he was placed with the gem-engraver Nicolo Morelli (1771–1830), whose patrons included the Pope and Napoleon I. There he gained great experience in carving cameos and also attended the drawing academy at the Campidoglio, where he obtained first prize in sculpture. At the age of 16 years, he left his master – who by then was said to be quite jealous of his pupil's abilities – and set up in business on his own, "loaded with commissions on all sides".

In 1802, Pistrucci married Barbara Folchi, daughter of a well-to-do merchant. He continued working in Rome, turning out portrait cameos and engraved gems, until 1814. He then moved to Paris, France, in December 1814, where he fulfilled several orders, and made a wax cameo of Napoleon, which he, apparently, kept in his pocket so he could compare it to the "original" when he appeared in public. He then went on to London, England in 1815, becoming very successful and wealthy as a cameo designer and maker, and was eventually presented to the Master of the Mint, Wellesley Pole.

...
Wikipedia