19th Century Gold Brooch Set With An Intaglio On Carnelian. Hellenistic Ruler
Brooch: 40 × 45 mm
Intaglio: 32 × 37 × 5 mm
Weight: 15 g
Work of the 19th century
Large, remarkable gold brooch set with a carnelian intaglio depicting the portrait of a Hellenistic prince facing left. The subject is treated with great authority: youthful, idealized face, full lips, abundant hair with profuse curls held back by a headband - all attributes evoking the Alexandrian royal portrait tradition.
The iconographic type recalls representations of Alexander the Great or one of his successors, as perpetuated in the Hellenistic world and largely reinterpreted in the 19th century by the neoclassical taste for antique subjects.
The carnelian, a beautiful translucent orange-red and of exceptional size, is carved in high relief with remarkable plasticity, the flowing curls treated with particular virtuosity. The gold setting bears witness to work in the archaeological style: double border of twists, inner register of pearls, lacework of pointed claws framing the stone - a vocabulary directly inspired by Etruscan and Hellenistic goldsmiths, characteristic of the finest Italian workshops of the period, such as those of Castellani or their circle.
Intaglio: 32 × 37 × 5 mm
Weight: 15 g
Work of the 19th century
Large, remarkable gold brooch set with a carnelian intaglio depicting the portrait of a Hellenistic prince facing left. The subject is treated with great authority: youthful, idealized face, full lips, abundant hair with profuse curls held back by a headband - all attributes evoking the Alexandrian royal portrait tradition.
The iconographic type recalls representations of Alexander the Great or one of his successors, as perpetuated in the Hellenistic world and largely reinterpreted in the 19th century by the neoclassical taste for antique subjects.
The carnelian, a beautiful translucent orange-red and of exceptional size, is carved in high relief with remarkable plasticity, the flowing curls treated with particular virtuosity. The gold setting bears witness to work in the archaeological style: double border of twists, inner register of pearls, lacework of pointed claws framing the stone - a vocabulary directly inspired by Etruscan and Hellenistic goldsmiths, characteristic of the finest Italian workshops of the period, such as those of Castellani or their circle.
4 650 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Rome and Antic Greece
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Gold
Reference (ID): 1738416
Availability: In stock
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