Lot 131
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE; Western Europe, probably England or France, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning carnelian intaglio that is hand-carved with a right-facing profile of the mythical hero Hercules (Greek Herakles) wearing the pelt of the Nemean Lion atop his head. Note the naturalism conveyed by Herakles' features: those heavy lidded eyes gazing steadfastly ahead, that ever-so-slightly curved nose, his thick brows, and of course his intricately carved full mustache and countless curls of his beard and coiffure. The intaglio is set within the bezel of a delicate copper ring of wearable form that is covered in 34.83% silver and 26.7% gold gilding. Size (intaglio): 0.45" L x 0.39" W x 0.12" H (1.1 cm x 1 cm x 0.3 cm); (ring setting): 0.57" L x 0.69" W x 0.72" H (1.4 cm x 1.8 cm x 1.8 cm); metal quality: 37.2% copper, 34.83% silver, 26.7% gold; weight: 1.9 grams; US ring size: 4
Displaying immense physical strength and courage, Herakles' adventures in the Greco-Roman world were narrated in the canonical Twelve Labors, the first occurring when King Eurystheus asked Herakles to bring him the skin of a fierce lion that terrorized the hillside around Nemea - a seemingly impossible task. Despite the fact that initially Herakles' arrows were utterly useless against this threatening beast, our hero ultimately succeeded, clutching the lion in his muscular arms all the while strategically avoiding its claws, finally choking the wild feline to death.
Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966; ex-Sotheby's, London, United Kingdom, "Catalogue of the Story-Maskelyne Collection of Ancient Gems, the Property of W.E. Arnold Forster, Esq.," 4-5 July 1921, lot 98; ex-William Arnold-Forster (1886-1951), Cornwall and London, United Kingdom; ex-M.H. Story Maskelyne (1823-1911), Wroughton, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#186611
- Condition: Wearable as shown and constructed in modern times. Carnelian intaglio is ancient; ring setting is modern. Light abrasions on intaglio surface, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful preservation to finer details on intaglio.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |