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Intaglio Jewelry :
Classical Revival Seal Rings : Classical Revival Intaglio of a Young Prince
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Classical Revival Intaglio of a Young Prince - FJ.6340
Origin: Europe
Circa: 1700
AD
to 1800
AD
Collection: Seal Rings/ Intaglios
Medium: Carnelian-Gold
$5,500.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This intaglio is set in a 24 karat gold ring
The art of glyptics, or carving on colored
precious stones, is probably one of the oldest
known to humanity. Intaglios, gems with an
incised design, were made as early as the fourth
and third millennia BC in Mesopotamia and the
Aegean Islands. They display a virtuosity of
execution that suggests an old and stable
tradition rooted in the earliest centuries. The
tools required for carving gems were simple: a
wheel with a belt-drive and a set of drills.
Abrasives were necessary since the minerals
used were too hard for a metal edge. A special
difficulty of engraving intaglios, aside from their
miniature size, was that the master had to work
with a mirror-image in mind.
In eighteenth century Europe the allure of jewelry
based on classical models inspired a powerful
demand, which was met by a few very expert
engravers. Artisans such as Jacques Guay (1711-
93) and Giovanni Pichler (1734-91) made
exhaustive studies of ancient statuary to create
intaglios that equalled or excelled the ancient
masters. This very lovely intaglio depicts a
beautiful youth with curly hair. He bears some
resemblance to Caius and Lucius Caesar, the
grandsons of the emperor Augustus. However,
his exact identification is not necessary to enjoy
the splendid artistry of the engraving, and the
beauty of the rich red carnelian radiant as fire,
the fire of eternal youth. To wear this gorgeous
ring of gold is to possess both power and
refinement, qualities of the person who is
impressive in any century.
- (FJ.6340)
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