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Cellini
was a superb goldsmith and sculptor,
whose artistic creations brought him acclaim and the patronage of popes and cardinals. He
worked for the Vatican Mint under Popes Leo X, Clement VII and
Paul III. During Cellini's long life, these friendships
were of great value, protecting him in many
misadventures with the law.
Cellini
was
constantly hounded by authorities on complaints of sexual
misconduct and stealing from his
clients. Three times he was accused of murder, and in 1557 he received a four year prison
sentence for
sodomy, which was commuted to be served under house arrest, so the artist would
be
able to continue his work on a sculpture of the Crucifixion.
Saltcellar
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