Description:

Ancient Near East / Central Asia, Persia, Sasanian (Sassanian / Sassanid) Empire, ca. 4th to 5th century CE; Western Europe, probably England or France, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A delicate garnet intaglio of ovoid form that is incised atop the convex face with the left-facing image of a harpy, a mythological avian creature with the head of a woman. The creature presents with clawed feet, feathered legs and arms, and a forward-facing gaze while behind her is a celestial pair consisting of the sun and the crescent moon. The intaglio is mounted within the swiveling bezel of a modern 91.85% silver pendant setting that, with its petite suspension loop, is made for wearability. Size (intaglio): 0.54" L x 0.42" W x 0.18" H (1.4 cm x 1.1 cm x 0.5 cm); (pendant setting): 0.23" L x 0.72" W x 0.88" H (0.6 cm x 1.8 cm x 2.2 cm); silver quality: 91.85%; weight: 4.0 grams

The harpy was originally a personification of the wind, but slowly transformed into fierce half-women, half-birds who, to the Greeks, were among the guardians of the underworld. In the Near East, they are related to griffins and other fantastical creatures, and also seem to have been seen as guardian figures.

Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966

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.

#186704

  • Condition: Wearable as shown and constructed in modern times. Garnet intaglio is ancient; pendant setting is modern. Intaglio with minor abrasions, softening to some finer details, and small chips around peripheries, otherwise intact and very good. Pendant with some cleanable tarnishing but nice presentation.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 2, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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

Bid Increments
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