Background
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.
engraver sculptor goldsmith medallist
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". 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.
Though described as being "engraved", the intaglios are cut by drills, sometimes quite deeply.
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. He also made some versions in glass.
He died in Faenza, Italy in 1553.