Please note this is NOT a ZOOM lecture but an in person lecture. Renaissance collections brought together a dazzling variety of stones, which were highly praised for their so-called ‘virtues’: the powers and properties ascribed to them. In this talk, we venture into the everyday life and practices of the period, exploring a selection of emblematic stones used to support recovery and prevent illness, safeguard against harm, and foster personal growth. The eagle stone, for instance – a hollow geode or concretion – was believed to ease childbirth, protect expectant mothers, and even ward off food poisoning. Through these examples, we enter a world where stones were never just inert objects, but powerful agents of transformation. Carlotta Gonzi is currently completing a PhD at the Warburg Institute in London.