ROSSI, Properzia de' - b. ~1490 Bologna, d. 1530 Bologna - WGA

ROSSI, Properzia de'

(b. ~1490 Bologna, d. 1530 Bologna)

Italian sculptor. She is referred to in a document dated 1516 as the daughter of Girolamo de’ Rossi of Bologna. Among the few recorded women artists in the 16th century, she was unusual in working as a sculptor. According to Vasari, she began by carving peach stones: a peach stone he described as engraved with the entire Passion has been identified as that forming part of a necklace (Pesaro, Palazzo Bonamini-Pepoli). An engraved cherry stone (Florence, Uffizi) has been attributed to her, as well as 11 carved peach stones set in a device of filigree silver (Bologna, Museo Civico).

Her work in marble includes a portrait of Conte Guido de’ Pepoli (Bologna, Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande), two angels in high relief (believed to be those placed on either side of the Annunciation by Domenico Brusasorci in San Petronio) and a relief panel, Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife, carved for the portal of S Petronio (Bologna, Museo di San Petronio). For the same portal, documents dating to 1525 and 1526 indicate that de’ Rossi carved a second panel (believed to be that of the Visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon), as well as two sibyls and an angel. Vasari also recorded that she produced engravings and made drawings after Raphael.

Carved Cherry Stone Pendant

Although it is debated, Propezia de’Rossi is generally accepted as the sculptor of this jewel. The exquisite cherry stone is carved with more than one hundred heads. It is set within a pendant formed by a laurel garland in gold enamelled with diamonds. It belonged to the collection of Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici.

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Grassi Family Crest

In addition to works on a large scale and in marble, Properzia was known for her carvings on very small surfaces, including peach pits. These works of great virtuosity were best suited - according to the mentality of the time - to the capacities of a woman, in that they were based on diligence and patience.

The picture shows a double-eagle coat of arms commissioned by the Grassi family, an illustrious Bolognese family. The crest is a valuable element in Properzia’s rich output as a peach-stone carver. On the faces of the eleven peach and plum stones mounted in the setting, martyrs and virgins are portrayed in full length, with mottos and specific iconography.

While the sculptor of the peach and plum stones is identified as Properzia, the master of the silverwork of the eagle and filigree is undetermined.

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Joseph and Potiphar's Wife

There is but one women, Properzia de’ Rossi to whom Vasari gives a “life” in the 1550 edition, with only passing reference to a few other female artists added to this account in the second edition. It indicates that she was an exceptional artist, although she unfortunately died young and the only sure work in marble by her hand is a relief for the portal of the Cathedral of Bologna representing the Old Testament story of the Chastity of Joseph. This relief emphasizes the contrast between the voluptuous, eager wife of Potiphar and Joseph’s determination to escape.

This marble relief, together with two sibyls and two angels, was commissioned by the Fabbrica of San Petronio for the fa�ade of San Petronio in Bologna.

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