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(2) Carlo Costanzi
(b Naples, 1705; d Rome, 1781). Gem-engraver, brother of (1) Placido Costanzi. He had a flamboyant character and was criticized for his quarrelsome temperament and great avidity for honours and glory. His unbridled ambition is documented by a letter (dated 15 June 1753) to Ridolfino Venuti (see Giulianelli, 1753), in which he lists his various honours for inclusion in the second edition of Mariette’s book. He was, however, a very skilful engraver; Mariette (1750) thought him the best one in Rome, and he obtained commissions from the major European courts. His gem-engraved portraits include James Stuart, the Old Pretender; Empress Maria-Teresa; Cardinal Renato Imperiali; Catherine II, Empress of Russia (all untraced); Benedict XIII (sardonyx; Florence, Pitti); and Baron Philipp von Stosch (sapphire; Florence, Pitti). An emerald (untraced), engraved by Costanzi on one side with a portrait of Benedict XIV and on the other with SS Peter and Paul, was sent by the Pope to the Treasury of S Petronio in Bologna.
Part of the Costanzi family
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