Carlo Guiliano (1831 – 1895) Italian Goldsmith and Jeweller

Carlo Giuliano, an Italian jeweller and goldsmith, left an indelible mark on the decorative arts of the late 19th century. His journey from Naples to the bustling streets of London and his subsequent rise to prominence in fine jewellery is a tale of artistic innovation, cultural fusion, and enduring legacy. In this exploration, we delve into Giuliano’s life and work, unravelling the threads of his influence on the decorative arts.

Early Beginnings and London Transition

Carlo Giuliano’s story begins in 1831 in Naples, Italy, a city steeped in artistic heritage. His early life in Naples likely exposed him to a rich tapestry of artistic influences, setting the stage for his later innovations. In 1860, Giuliano made a pivotal move to London, a city buzzing with industrial advancement and cultural dynamism. This relocation began a significant phase in his career, where he initially worked for Harry Emanuel, a renowned jeweller.

Collaboration and Style Development

Giuliano’s Italian heritage blended with the Victorian era’s eclectic tastes in London. He collaborated with the famous Italian jeweller Castellani, known for reviving ancient jewellery styles. This partnership was more than a meeting of minds; it was a fusion of cultural artistry that birthed a new aesthetic in jewellery design. Giuliano became a master of the archaeological or Etruscan style, characterized by intricate metalwork and classical motifs, which harkened back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome.

Signature Style and Influence

Giuliano’s unique style soon emerged, marked by exquisite craftsmanship and delicate enamel decoration. This style became widely popular, so much so that it was extensively copied in the 1880s and 1890s. What set Giuliano’s work apart was the intricacy of the enamel work, primarily credited to his assistant, Pasquale Novissimo. Their collaboration produced pieces that were beautiful and technically challenging to replicate.

The Giuliano Legacy

Carlo Giuliano’s influence extended beyond his workshop. His possible brothers, Frederico and Ferdinando Giuliano, opened their jewellery workshop in 1882, further cementing Giuliano’s name in the annals of decorative arts. However, by the onset of the First World War, the Giuliano business had closed, marking the end of an era.

Reflecting on Giuliano’s Impact

Giuliano’s journey from Naples to London is a testament to the power of cultural exchange in shaping artistic innovation. His ability to blend Italian artistry with the tastes of Victorian England resulted in a unique style that influenced the decorative arts far beyond his lifetime.

Sources

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, March 17). Carlo Giuliano. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:33, June 3, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Carlo_Giuliano&oldid=1012647514

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