Lot 19
Western Europe, Neoclassical Period, ca. 19th century CE. "3 / T. bo" inscribed on verso. A remarkable agate intaglio of the Roman goddess Venus - Greek Aphrodite - set in a gold pendant and strung on a modern strand to be wearable. Boasting a translucent hue of caramel, the lovely agate depicts the goddess seated nude upon a cuirass with shield and helmet behind her. Her hair pulled back in a bun, the gorgeous deity faces an altar resembling a caduceus to the right as a tree branch rises above. The goddess of love atop instruments used for war may be intended to have an allegorical meaning: love conquers war, of in the original words of Virgil "omnia vincit amor." The golden bezel is hinged to a decorative gold wire with spiraling finials and a suspensions loop. The hinge allows the intaglio to swivel playfully. Size (pendant): 1.3" W x 1.5" H (3.3 cm x 3.8 cm); (intaglio): 0.8" W x 0.9" H (2 cm x 2.3 cm); (necklace): 22.2" L (56.4 cm); gold quality: 58.35% (equivalent to 14K+); weight: 8.3 grams
A wonderful representation of the goddess who possessed such sublime beauty that she inspired much rivalry among the gods, all of whom wished to make her his wife. According to classical mythology, Jupiter (Zeus) determined that Venus (Aphrodite) would marry Vulcan (Hephaestus), the handicapped blacksmith god. Vulcan in turn created a magical girdle to guarantee her fidelity. Unfortunately for him, the Goddess of Love and Beauty proved unfaithful. Venus (Aphrodite) has inspired countless representations in visual culture, among the most famous, Attic sculptor Praxitele's "Aphrodite of Knidos" (ca. 360 to 330 BCE) and Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" (1484-86).
Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#169460
- Condition: Neoclassical pendant strung on modern strand to be wearable. Intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail. "3 / T. bo" inscribed on verso.
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