Anichini family

The Anichini family were leading carvers of engraved gems for seals, and medals in Renaissance Italy.

The first known member is Francesco Anichini (active 1449-1526), who had four sons who followed him in the art. He was the leading gem-cutter in Venice, taking commissions from Isabella d'Este and others.

His sons were:

• Alvise Anichini, dates uncertain,
• Andrea Anichini, active 1526-1553,
• Callisto Anichini, (before 1527 - c. 1553), more of a jewellery maker,
• Luigi Anichini, (c. 1500-1510, died after 1559). Michelangelo pronounced his gem "Interview of Alexander the Great with the high-priest at Jerusalem", "the perfection of the art". His medals of Henry II of France and Pope Paul III. are greatly valued.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 
• Gordon Campbell, The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts, Oxford University Press US, 2006, ISBN 0195189485, 9780195189483 Google books