British School at Rome: Papers of the British School at Rome (4.1907)

The Goldsmiths of Rome under the Papal Authority. 175
No one was admitted to membership in the Confraternity, or-allowed
to open a shop as a goldsmith, silversmith, or die- or seal-engraver except
with the sanction of the Consuls and the approval of the secret and
general council, under penalty of 100 scudi. Under penalty of 400 scudi
the Consuls were prohibited from granting licences as mastercraftsmen to
those who had not qualified as follows :—
By the production of proofs of good and honest conduct ;
Proof that the candidate has not been condemned as a coiner, or
been under accusation as such.
A foreigner was obliged to produce similar proofs from the
country of his origin. Each applicant had to prove having served
for three years at Rome as a workman, and was obliged to give a
practical demonstration of his skill as a craftsman, by doing a
specimen of his work before the Consuls. He was further shown good
and imitation stones and was asked to judge them for valuation.
Samples of gold of different standards were placed before him to see
whether he could distinguish between them. If he was a silversmith
he was asked to fashion a figure out of a silver plate. As a gold-
smith his skill in mounting and enamelling was tested.
The eldest son of a mastercraftsman enjoyed certain advantages
over others.
No one could of his own initiative set up as a working goldsmith. To
be admitted to articles the workman had to prove that he was of good
birth. He had also to produce security in 100 scudi for his articles.
By the Statutes of 1734 and 1740 no Roman could become a member
of the Guild without a certificate from at least three mastercraftsmen,
besides showing proof of having done at least four years as an apprentice
and three years as a workman. The foreigner paid fees amounting to 30
scudi as against 21 paid by the native. The Guild was limited to 170
mastercraftsmen. Future admissions were only to be considered as
vacancies occurred, the son of a deceased mastercraftsman having the
preference over others.
There can be no doubt that the Goldsmiths all over Italy, at all times,
tried to protect their profession against intrusion both by natives and
foreigners. It seems equally clear that individual goldsmiths enjoyed
special privileges and immunities. Under an order of Alfonso I, dated