The brooch bearing a Greek acrostic inscription reading 'Light' (Phos) and 'Life' (Zoe)
Fortunato Pio Castellani founded his goldsmith business in the Via del Corso in the early 19th century. Through a successful collaboration with the famous archaeologist Michelangelo Caetani, Castellani together with his two sons, concentrated on antique themes for their jewellery design and made a world-famous business. The firm closed down in 1930.