Lot 133
Central Europe, Poland / Italy, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A hand-carved chalcedony intaglio of warm vermilion hues depicting Hercules defeating the giant Anteus - a slaughterer of men who derived his powers from being in contact with the earth - by lifting him into the air and crushing him to death. The intaglio, commissioned by Prince Stanislas Poniatowski (1754-1833), features a vertical, mirrored Greek inscription along the lefthand periphery that, when read in the proper orientation, reads "Solonos." Mounted in a 76.25% gold swivel ring setting, this is intended for wear with nearly any outfit. Size (intaglio): 0.64" L x 0.47" W x 0.13" H (1.6 cm x 1.2 cm x 0.3 cm); (ring setting): 0.79" L x 0.79" W x 0.80" H (2 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm); gold quality: 76.25% (equivalent to 18K+); weight: 3.8 grams; US ring size: 6
The collection of gems by Prince Stanislas Poniatowski (1754-1833) consisted of about 2,500 pieces, which he commissioned and presented as ancient. These gems were crafted by a group of engravers in Rome who drew inspiration from Classical literature, rather than from ancient Classical art. Despite their significance, they have been largely overlooked in studies of Neo-Classical depictions of mythological subjects. Poniatowski published a summary catalogue in 1830, with more detailed versions in 1833. After his death, the collection was sold at a Christie's auction in 1839, where the gems, later recognized as modern, were sold cheaply. The majority was acquired by John Tyrrell, and the collection has since been widely dispersed. Today, nearly 200 years after their creation, the Poniatowski gemstones are considered highly collectible. Despite initially being spurned for their origins, these gems have gained appreciation for their craftsmanship and historical significance. Collectors value them for their connection to the Neo-Classical period and the intriguing story of their creation and misattribution.
Published in: Poniatowski; Heseltine sale at Christie's, lot 43 (Beazley Archive Gem Database no. 1839-331).
Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966; ex-Christie's, London, United Kingdom, 1921 (Heseltine sale); ex-Mr. Phillips, Auction Offices, 73 New Bond Street, London, United Kingdom, 4 August 1859, lot 1345; ex-Northwick, Worcestershire, United Kingdom collection; ex-Christie's, London, United Kingdom, 1839-331; ex-collection of Prince Stanislas Poniatowski, Poland, 1830-1833, II.283
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#186668
- Condition: Wearable as shown. Minor abrasions to intaglio and some cleanable tarnishing to ring setting, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation to most finer details on intaglio.
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