Giovanni Bernardi

He was the son of a goldsmith and by 1530 had moved to Rome, where he had a position in the Papal mint, which also allowed him time to work for other patrons.

He was "a skillful composer of elegant nudes in elaborate scenes".

[1] Bernardi was best known for his intaglios engraved in rock crystal, which had been pioneered by Valerio Belli.

This was a difficult luxury artform that was fashionable among wealthy Italian collectors.

Castings of many of the crystal carvings were taken in wax and them used to make metal plaquettes, which Bernardi also designed and made de novo.