ASTA 267 - GLITTICA

A GEORGIAN GOLD NECKLACE WITH PEARLS AND AGATE GEMSTONES.

18th century

370 mm circa; Stone min. 7x10 mm; max 9x12 mm; 18,51 gr

Composed of a double gold chain set with 15 box settings adorned with pearls and agate cameos depicting portraits, among them, Moores heads, noblemen and women.

Provenance: U.K collection acquired on the art market

A LOT OF 11 ITEMS INCLUDING A MISCELLANEA OF CAMEOS, INTAGLIOS, A MICROMOSAICO AND AN HARDSTONE INTARSIO. VARIOUS SUBJECTS AND VARIOUS MATERIALS.

18th - 19th century

Dim max 24 x 29 x 7 mm ; min. 10 x 12 x 3 mm

From left to right: bunch of flowers on hardtsones intarsio; a micromosaic showing Piazza San Pietro in Rome; a coral cameo with bust of a woman; lava stone cameo with bust of Bacchante; an agate cameo showing a seated priestress pouring water in a cup; a black hardstone intaglio with bust of a lady facing right; a roman carnelian intaglio showing a standing soldier (Mars ?); an agate intaglio with portrait of a man facing left; an agate intaglio with portrait of an helmeted man facing left; a glass cameo with bust of a Lady facing right; an agate cameo with portrait of a god facing left. Small missing and wear marks.

A LARGE AGATE ONYX CAMEO SET IN A GOLD ENAMELED BROOCH. POSEIDON WITH THE SEAHORSES.

19th century

Stone 20x28 mm; Brooch 38x40; 12 gr

The divinity is depicted with a muscular naked body, seated on a shell (which acts as a chariot) pulled by two sea horses. The stone is characterized by multiple alternating white and dark layers, used with skill by the engraver. The stone is chipped on top and is mounted in an elegant gold brooch chiseled with green and white enamels.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A LARGE VICTORIAN GOLD BROOCH SET WITH 12 HARDSTONES INTAGLIOS. VARIOUS SUBJECTS.

Brooch: 19th century; gems: 2nd century A.D. to 17th century

Stone min. 7x10 mm; max 16x17 mm; 25,90 gr

From the top: a Roman red jasper intagio with seated Ades; a Roman carnelian intaglio with a standing figure near a tripod; a Roman dark green jasper with a quadriga of Helios; a Roman red jasper intaglio with eagle devouring a pray; a dark stone intaglio with a gryllos (jasper?); a carnelian intaglio with two animals; a postclassical intaglio with a faun holding a kylix; a Roman carnelian intaglio with an offerer; the central gem is a postclassical agate intaglio with a philosopher portrait; the last three, from left, are: a Roman carnelian intaglio with Spes; a Roman carnelian intaglio with Mars; a Roman carnelian intaglio with Athena.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A FINE PERIDOT CAMEO SET IN AN ENAMELED BROOCH. BUST OF BACCHANTE.

Late 19th century

Stone 9x13 mm; Brooch 29x47 mm; 9,52 gr

This brooch is based upon several similar enameled jewels design attribuated to Carlo Giuliano (Italian, active England ca. 1831-1895). Some missing for the enamel and for the pin brooch on the backside (it was converted into a ring). Beautiful green peridot used for engrave the bust of a Bacchante. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.S. private collection, acquired on the art market. This lot is sold under temporary import status.

A LARGE CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN GOLD ENAMELED BROOCH WITH DIAMONDS. HERCULES SECURING CERBERUS.

19th century.

Stone 22x29 mm; Brooch 37x40 mm; 11,97 gr

Hercules, facing the entrance to the Inferos, firmly secures Cerberus, holding his fierce three heads between his legs. To the left, the club; to the right, the lion's skin. The gem, rectangular in shape with rounded edges, is mounted in a precious brooch with floral motifs and bows embellished with six diamonds and enamel decorations. The scene takes place horizontally but is based on a Poniatowski gem that instead shows the scene vertically.

For the same subject, see : Beazley Archive - Poniatowski database T431, carnelian intaglio HERCULES SECURING CERBERUS signed ΑΠΟΛΛΟΝΙΔΟΥ; current Collection: Paris, Cabinet des medailles, Bibliotheque nationale de France: H 2937, inv 433
Previous Collections:Catalogue des pierres graves antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): II.325


Provenance: U.K private collection

A CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN.

18th century

Stone 13x20 mm; int. size 15x17,5 mm; 5,19 gr.

Interesting and unusual private portrait of a young gentleman, probably French, facing left. The effigy is characterized by thick hair. Beautiful bright red color of the stone in the original coeval ring.

Provenance: French collection, late 19th ; European collection, acquired on the market, early 2000's.

A LARGE CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A LATER GOLD RING. ALLEGORICAL SCENE.

17th - 18th century

Stone 20x23 mm; int. Size 17,5x23 mm; 11 gr.

A partially naked female figure, covered only by a cloak, lovingly embraces a handsome young naked warrior wearing only a helmet and a cloak. Probably Venus and Mars. The male figure holds a shield on which a heraldic coat of arms is depicted consisting of a cup surmounted by a radiant sun (this type of sun recalls the Gonzagas). Behind, some plants. Beautiful execution and color of the stone.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO BY BERINI SET IN A GOLD RING. MALE PORTRAIT.

18th-19th century

Stone 16x23 mm; int. Size 18x20 mm; 9,86 gr.

The effigy is turned to the right, with a tunicated bust, wavy hair held by a band (taenia), a broad forehead, an aquiline nose, a slightly open mouth with a grimace of power, the marked features typical of a ruler or of a general. Possibly a portrait of a noble in the guise of a Hellenistic Greek ruler ("ritratto all'antica"). On the cut of the neck, the signature BER for Antonio Berini (1770-1861). Beautiful execution and attractive vivid red color of the stone.

Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired on the art market.

AN AGATE CAMEO SET IN A GOLD PENDANT. BUST OF AN HELMETED WARRIOR.

18th century

Stone 28x35 mm; H max 50 mm; 11,83 gr

Possibly the portrait of a private person in heroic guise. The helmeted head is in profile to the left, while the bust is almost frontal, partially covered by a cloak, with the strap of the sword sheath visible. The helmet is decorated with a running griffin and a sphinx. The man is characterized by peculiar facial features and long wavy hair. Nice four layered agate work.

Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired on the art market.

A FINE NEOCLASSICAL PONIATOWSKI CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD PENDANT. PORTRAIT OF POLLA ARGENTARIA.

19th century.

Stone 20x23 mm; H max 42 mm; 16,77 gr

The portrait is facing left. In the field, the inscription POLLA ARGENTARIA (wife of the roman poet Lucano). The gemstone has slightly signs of wear and is set in an elegant "Hercules knot" motif swivel pendant.

Beazley Archive - Poniatowski database: reference no. 1839-2088

Provenance: From the S.A. Poniatowski gems collection. Published in the Catalogue des pierres graves antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): IX.3.40
Christie's, London: 1839-2088

A LARGE GRAND TOUR GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GOLD PENDANT. FOUR DEITIES INSIDE THE ZODIACAL CIRCLE.

19th century

Diam. 58 mm; H max 83; 65,12 gr

After a large carnelian intaglio executed in the 16th century from the French Royal collection (Collection de Louis XIV, Cabinet du Roi; actually Paris BNF - Cabinet des médailles). The scene is composed by a central area with enthroned Zeus, standing Apollo and Hermes with Neptune, surrounded by the twelve zodiacal signs. This intaglio, the so called "Zodiaque", is after a drawing of Raphael engraved by Marcantonio Raimondi (1480-1534). This dark glass cast impression is taken after this stone during the Grand Tour Era and it is mounted in a solid gold pendant.

Brown, Clifford Malcom. Engraved Gems. Survivals and Revivals. Washington : 1997, p.199 et 221, n°101.
Chabouillet, Anatole. Catalogue général et raisonné des camées et pierres gravées de la Bibliothèque impériale. Paris : 1858, n°2391.
Mariette, Pierre-Jean. Traité des Pierres gravées. Paris : 1750, II, pl.I. BNF Medailles at Antiques Archive: inv.58.2391 for the original stone intaglio (model).

Provenance: U.K private collection

AN ETRUSCAN MODERN REVIVAL GOLD MASK OF A GORGONA.

19th - 20th century

H max 50 mm; 33,40 gr

Gorgona apotropaic solid gold mask with open jaws showing sharp teeth and tongue. Slight wear marks. Probably used originally as a pendant.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A FINE NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD STICK PIN. MENELAUS CARRYING THE BODY OF PATROCLUS.

18th - 19th century

Stone 17x21 mm; H max 54 mm; 4,26 gr

Inspired by the models of classical statuary, this powerful scene depicts Menelaus carrying the lifeless body of Patroclus with his shield (or Ajax and Achilles). The anatomical details and the expressive rendering are engraved with great art. In the field, a cartouche with a Greek name in genitive, probably a signature (to be identified): possibly "ΓHEAΡΔOY" . Hatched border. The gem has signs of wear and light internal burn.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A SARDONYX CAMEO SET IN A GOLD STICK PIN. THEATRICAL MASK.

19th century

Stone 17x21 mm; H max 80 mm; 9,05 gr

Frontal mask of theatrical type, engraved in high relief using the brown layer of the agate on a white ground. The effigy is characterized by ancient Roman-style braided hair, a wide open mouth and a furrowed forehead in an almost dramatic expression. Fine execution.

Provenance: U.K collection acquired on the art market

A NEOCLASSICAL AGATE INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD STICK PIN. JULIO-CLAUDIAN PORTRAIT.

19th century

Stone 10x12 mm; H Max. 64 mm; 3,18

This fine engraved portrait of a laureated Julio Claudian emperor can be identified as Augustus. The stone is set in an elegant gold stick pin with intertwined elements in the revival archeological style.

Provenance: U.S. private collection, acquired on the art market. This lot is sold under temporary import status.

A RARE BICOLOR JASPER SET IN A GOLD RING. VENUS ON A DOLPHIN.

18th-19th century

Stone 14x21 mm; int. Size 17x18,5 mm; 16,57 gr.

Venus rides a dolphin swimming to right. The figure leans in an almost acrobatic pose, leaning with her right elbow on the rounded head of the animal, with her right foot instead on the tail. With her left hand, the figure holds a drapery that flies with the wind, while her left foot is immersed in the blue water of the sea, rendered in an extraordinary way by the artist who masterfully uses the two colors of the stone. Slight wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A FINE NEOCLASSICAL SIGNED CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD RING. EROS RIDING A LION.

18th-19th century

Stone 12x16 mm; int. diam 17 mm; 6,45 gr.

Allegory of "AMOR OMNIA VINCIT", with Eros riding and taming a lion with a whip; the animal touches a goat skull with a paw. Ground line. Below, the pseudo ancient Greek signature "ΑΛΜΟΝ" (Neoclassical). Very fine execution. Scratches and signs of wear.

Provenance: U.K collection acquired on the art market

A FINE NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO SET IN A GOLD SEAL WITH A BANDED AGATE MOORE HEAD. ROMAN MALE PORTRAIT.

18th century

H max. 37 mm; stone 15x16 mm; 13,18 gr.

A fine portrait of an elderly Roman with close-cropped hair and a wart on his chin. The head is characterized by a pointed nose, narrow lips and pronounced chin, wide neck with goitre, small ear, close-fitting hair. This fine intaglio is apparently the exact copy of an ancient roman chalcedony intaglio, from George James Howard coll., 9th Earl of Carlisle. The stone is set in a splendid gold fob seal composed by a leaves ornamental patterns attached to the bezel, ending with a finely carved banded agate moore head with an additonal chiseled plants pattern motifs with a suspension ring. Very good condition.

Marie-Louise Vollenweider, Die Portratgemmen der romischen Republik, Tafel 65 (description p. 42). The original stone is a chalcedony from British Museum coll. No. 1890,0601.59

Provenance: U.K. collection, acquired on the british art market.

A FINE GRAND TOUR GOLD BANGLE WITH A NEOCLASSICAL AGATE INTAGLIO. ALLEGORICAL SCENE.

19th century

Stone 18x26 mm; int. Size 48x58 mm; 41,95 gr.

PIERRET Ernesto (Born in Paris, 1824). A Gold bangle bracelet set with a large agate intaglio. Circa 1860
Of archaeological revival design, the oval intaglio, possibly a merchant’s seal, within a rope twist surround, two scrolls to either side, the bangle inscribed ‘SALVE’, translating s the Latin for ‘Hail’.
The intaglio shows a Victory riding a quadriga to the left, on top an eagle holding a laurel wreath in its backs and thunderbolts in its paws. Beneath, portrait of a youth facing left, mouse inside a ring and grasshopper on ear of corns. Inscription retrograde ‘M.IVLI’.
Ernesto Pierret was one of these jewelers. Born in Paris in 1824, Pierret moved to Rome in the 1840s, where he trained as a goldsmith. Historians speculate that he may have been apprenticed under Castellani, as Pierret's style was very similar to – and often compared to – the more popular Castellani. In 1846, Pierret opened his workshop. It was then that he began to build a reputation. The opening of his studio took place directly after his marriage to Virginia Crespi, the daughter of a wealthy lawyer. These family connections allowed him to move his studio to Rome's illustrious jewelry and artist district, where Pierret began to prosper.

Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired on the art market.

A LARGE CITRINE SCULPTED HEAD. THE VEILED VIRGIN MARY.

19th century

H max 37 mm

Splendid sculpted work in the round depicting the veiled Virgin Mary, with her face tilted to the right and facing upwards, in mystical contemplation. Devotional subject. Attractive bright and intense yellow color of the stone with golden tones. The head ends in a small cylindrical termination probably to fix it in a support. Mirror polishing. Traces of a red inscription under the cut of the neck, perhaps from an old collection. Small defects and light internal cracks. Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired on the art market.

A MOTTLED GREEN JASPER OR SERPENTINE SCULPTED HEAD OF A FAUN.

19th century A.D. or later

H 55 mm

The head slighlty turned, is characterized by young features; almond shaped eyes, straight nose, full lips and rounded chin. The front is surmounted by short thick hair with hair fork on the right. The ears are pointed. Probably a Grand Tour production, after the Antique. Broken on the base of the neck.

Provenance: U.S. private collection, acquired on the art market. This lot is sold under temporary import status.

A CISELED GOLD BOX SET WITH A LARGE TWO-LAYERED AGATE CAMEO ON THE LID. THE WEDDING OF CUPID & PSYCHE.

19th century

45x79xH 26 mm; 97,20 gr

Yamsk jasper cameo snuff box depicting the famous scene of the Wedding of Cupid and Psyche mounted in a gold snuff box attributed to the Yekaterinburg Lapidary (circa 1820-1830). Likely an imperial presentation snuff box or diplomatic gift from the imperial cabinet. The snuff box lid corresponds to a yamsk Jasper in the Hermitage Museum (inv. no. K-5720) which entered in the collection circa 1826 during the reign of Czar Nicholas I while the Imperial Lapidary was under the management of Yakov Vasilievich Kokovin. The cameo scene is after an ancient onyx cameo by the gem engraver Tryphon formerly in the collection of P.P. Rubens (Boston, Museum of Fine arts). Presence of the mark ET on the metal frame of the box, probably for ETRANGERE, so imported trough the custom in France. Very good condition. Minor missing on the stone and wear marks.

Provenance: Russian Imperial Cabinet, presumably as a diplomatic gift or presentation snuff box. Christie's, Geneva, November 19, 1980, Lot 302;Christie's, London, Opulence: Silver, Gold Boxes, 19th Century Furniture & Works of Art,
November 29, 2016, Lot 78. U.S. private collection, acquired on the art market.This lot is sold under temporary import status.

A NEOCLASSICAL TWO-LAYERED AGATE CAMEO. PORTRAIT OF TSAR ALEXANDER I OF RUSSIA.

19th century A.D.

27x35x7 mm

Emperor Alexander I of Russia (1777-1825) was one of the key figures in the downfall of Napoleon. Having forced the French into a humiliating retreat from Moscow, on 31 March 1814 Alexander marched into Paris forcing Napoleon to abdicate. In this cameo the portrait is facing right and it is engraved with great art. A possible attribution might be found in the Roman gem engraver Giuseppe Girometti (1780 - 1851). Originally set in a silver box marked for Elkington & Co.

For comparison see: Hermitage Museum (imv. No K-1100), a capita jugata portrait of Alexander and his wife Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna. See also Kunsthistorisches Museum, Wien, Kunstkammer inv. No. Antikensammlung, XII 472 by Giuseppe Pichler; Hermitage Museum inv. K-1096; P.B. Stefanelli, La Collezione Paoletti n. 346.

Provenance: U.S. private collection, acquired on the art market. This lot is sold under temporary import status.