Ornements précieux et bijoux de la maison princière des Colonna. Fonctions et représentations

SUMMARY: The essay analyses the multiple roles, meanings and functions of jewelry and precious ornaments for the Roman aristocracy, through the case study of the noble and ancient Colonna family between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries. Through the cross-examination of unpublished documents, inventories and correspondence, and portraits of some key female figures in the history of the Colonna family, the significant role played by jewelry in patrimonial, social and representative strategies emerges.