ASTA 267 - GLITTICA

A NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO. AJAX KILLING THE ANIMALS.

Late 18th- Early 19th century A.D.

15x20x4 mm

This scene appears to be a prototype for the Poniatwoski Gems with the same theme. A similar intaglio was engraved by Giovanni Calandrelli (1784-1853 ; see the drawing n° VI.3, p. 95 in Platz-Horster, L'antica maniera). Ajax mad, is depicted with a sword killing the animals of the greeks ( a ram). Wear marks. Made as an ancient revival.

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

A NEOCLASSICAL CHALCEDONY INTAGLIO SIGNED J.S BRUN (1792-1860 CIRCA). ORESTES IN FURY.

First half of 19th century

26x31x7 mm

This scene, with some variations, is recordered in the Paoletti collection, inv.n°.MR27830 (see L. Pirzio Biroli Stefanelli, La collezione Paoletti, Rome, 2012, vol.VIII.I.n°2). Behind the groundline, the signature J.S. Brun. Joseph Silvestre Brun was a French gem engraver, student of François Lemot, François Jouffroy and Nicolas Augustin Matte. Brun was awarded the First Prize of Rome medal engraving in 1817 based upon a depiction of Androcles and the lion. He also executed a silvered bronze medal in 1825 to celebrate the coronation of Charles X of France in Reims.

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

A NEOCLASSICAL NICOLO INTAGLIO SIGNED MICHELINI. AESCULAPIUS.

19th century

15x20x2 mm

On the back of the gem, the typical signature "Michelini" engraved with the diamond point (Luigi Michelini, 1798-1858); above, a number, below also is specified the type of stone with "Nicolo". Standing figure of Aesculapius facing left, with frontal body and head turned in profile. With his right hand he holds the scepter with the intertwined snake, with the left he holds a snake leaning his elbow against a column. Light wear marks.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A NEOCLASSICAL NICOLO INTAGLIO SIGNED MICHELINI. EROS BRINGS THE WEAPONS OF MARS TO VENUS.

19th century

15x20x2 mm

To the left, Eros walks towards Venus sitting on a rock on the right side. The young man holds a spear pointing downwards and offers a helmet to the deity. Venus is dressed in a tunic and is flanked by armor resting on the rocks. Scene inspired by ancient models. Light signs of wear. On the back of the gem, the typical signature "Michelini" engraved with the diamond point (Luigi Michelini, 1798-1858); below also is specified the type of stone with "Nicolo".

Provenance: U.K private collection

A LARGE NEOCLASSICAL CARNELIAN INTAGLIO. AURORA ON THE CHARIOT.

19th century

31x37x5,5 mm

The figure is represented riding a biga above clouds. On top, a winged Eros holding a torch. In front of the biga, a star. Very nice polishing of the engraving. Fine execution, close to the Pichler's and Cerbara's intaglios with the same subject. Attractive honey tone. Slight wear marks.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A LARGE AGATE INTAGLIO. PERSEUS FREEING ANDROMEDA.

Early 19th century

34x37x4 mm

The mythological scene is composed of Perseus on the right helping Andromeda to descend from the rocks to which she had been chained. At the bottom, under the baseline, a snake to symbolize the monstrous creature defeated by the hero to free Andromeda. In the background, two doves hold in their beaks a ribbon wound between the two figures, symbol of triumphant love. The scene, excluding the presence of the doves and the snake, is based on an ancient Roman marble bas-relief already well known in the 18th century (Rome, Musei Capitolini). Some engravers, including Giovanni Pichler (1734-1791) carved this scene. The intaglio, engraved on a treated carnelian, is characterized by a thin white layer to obtain an elegant contrast effect. The same type of stone is also engraved by famous artists such as Morelli. Slight superficial crack in the central area of ​​the stone. This carnelian has been treated with alkali and heat (not honey).

"Multum in parvo" (Wartski's catalogue of egraved gems): p. 114 n. 63; p. 122 n. 68 and p. 130 n 73 (same type of stone and style, by Niccolò Morelli 1771-1838).

Provenance: U.K private collection

A GREEN GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A SILVER RING - FOB. MAN WITH AN HORSE.

19th century

Glass 18x24 mm; Int. size 18x19 mm; 11 gr

Probably Alexander the Great taming Bucefalus, after the statuary group on the Quirinal Hill in Rome (I Dioscuri). Groundline. Signed FIDIAE. Wear marks.

P.J. Mariette, Traite des pierres gravees, p. 97 n. XCVII.

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

A GRAND TOUR GLASS PASTE CAST IMPRESSION AFTER AN INTAGLIO. HERCULES SUBDUED BY EROS.

19th century

14 x 24 x 4 mm

The hero is walking right, naked holding the club and wearing the lion skin. On his back, on top of him, a winged Eros. Allegory of Love triumphing over Strenght. Wear marks.

Provenance: From the collection of an european gentleman, acquired on the art market

A GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GILDED FOB SEAL. VENUS AND MARS.

18th-19th century

Glass 14x19 mm; H 21 mm; 8,64 gr

Grand Tour Era glass impression after a prase intaglio in the collection of the King of France (inv.58.2296). Eros crowns Mars and Venus. The god of war holds a shield, while the goddess of beauty leans against an altar. Wear marks.

Chabouillet, Anatole. Catalogue général et raisonné des camées et pierres gravées de la Bibliothèque impériale. Paris : 1858, n°2296.
Mariette, Pierre-Jean. Traité des Pierres gravées. Paris : 1750, t.II, n°XX..

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

A SILVER BOX WITH A GLASS IMPRESSION. BUST OF JUPITER.

19th century

H Max. 56 mm; Diam. 90 mm

Large glass intaglio from an impression of an ancient cameo from the 2nd century B.C., representing the bust of Jupiter Ægiochus, known under the name of "Cameo Zulian". Found in Ephesus, it is kept today in the Archaeological Museum of Venice. The god, bearded, wears a crown of foliage and the aegis. The molding was executed in very thick glass surrounded by a silver box.

For a similar exemplar see: Cabinet des Médailles, Paris, AA.VA.11

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

A GRAND TOUR TWO-LAYERS GLASS PASTE CAMEO. PORTRAIT OF AUGUST.

19th century

8x10x3 mm

The emperor is facing left. Small lack on the tip of the nose. Wear marks.

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

A LARGE REVIVAL ONYX ENGRAVED SCARAB. HELMETED WARRIOR ON A HORSE.

18th century

18x25x15 mm

Pierced lenghtwise. The back is carved in a naturalistic way. The reverse is engraved with a naked warrior riding an horse to the left. Hatched border. Chips on the edge. Typical of the Etruscan Revivals scarabs production.

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

A LARGE CITRINE INTAGLIO. DANTE AND BEATRICE.

19th century

Diam. 31x14 mm

The scene depicts a famous episode of the Italian litterature when the poet Dante Alighieri saw Beatrice Portinari walking in Florence. The landscape on the background shows the Florentine bridge on the Arno. The large stone is pointed and faceted in the backside. Nice neo-renaissance revival scene.

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

A GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GEORGIAN GOLD RING. ALLEGORICAL MOURNING SCENE.

18th century

Glass 19x22 mm; Int. Size 19x21 mm; 9,53 gr

A draped female figure leans with her right arm on an urn, pointing upwards in the direction of the rays of light coming out of the clouds; in her left arm she holds a scroll with the following inscription: "I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETHJOB XIX 25" .On the base of the plinth the initials ES. Below, a skull. Lovely amber color. Wear marks. Allegorical scene symbolizing the Triumph of the Faith over mortality.

TASSIE- RASPE 14805.

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

A GEORGIAN GOLD MOURNING RING WITH AN AGATE CAMEO. SEATED WOMAN WITH BURNING ALTAR.

18th century

Stone 12x14 mm; Int. Size 16x19 mm; 2,34 gr

The female figure is seated on the ground, in an attitude of sadness and funeral lament. His face is turned towards a burning altar. The cameo is cracked.

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

A GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GOLD RING. MASK OF A FAUN.

18th century

Glass 10x12 mm; Int. Size 14,5x15 mm; 4,17 gr

A three layers glass impression after a Renaissance (or ancient?) intaglio with the mask of a faun slightly in three quarter. The depiction is quite close to the n. 714 and n. 668 Marlborough gems. This mask resembles also that of a Centaur from the Parthenon marble frieze of the Centauromachia. Wear marks. Traces of tools on the gold bezel.

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

A GRAND TOUR GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GOLD RING. DYONISIAC PROCESSION WITH DRUNK SILENUS.

18th - 19th century

Glass 12x15 mm; int. Size 18x22 mm; 1,65 gr

The scene is composed of Bacchic procession with satyres, Pan playing the flute and a drunken Silenus on a donkey. Groundline. Beneath, signature "ΣΟΛΟΝΕ-Ε". Wear marks.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A GRAND TOUR GLASS CAST IMPRESSION. MYTHOLOGICAL SCENE.

18th - 19th century

25x32x6,5 mm

On the right, Hercules seated on his lion skin with the club, hands tied behind his back; next to it a double human face like a gryllos. On the left, a standing female figure, probably Dejanira (?) with an Erote riding a creature (a chip prevents the complete reading of the scene). Above, another Erote with a lyre. Probably a Renaissance allegory of the triumph of the Love. The model seems to be inspired by an ancient intaglio from the Granducal Collection called "Sigillo di Nerone" with Apollo and Marsyas. The glass impression instead seems to be stylistically after a Renaissance stone. Wear marks and chips on the edge.

Provenance: U.K private collection

A NEOCLASSICAL AGATE CAMEO SET IN A GOLD RING. DEXTRARUM JUNCTIO.

19th century

Stone 7x8 mm; int. diam 16 mm; 2,32 gr

The thin rounded hoop is surmounted by a high oval box-setting with an agate cameo of Dextrarum Iunctio. Very popular subject during the Roman Age, this effigy represents the marriage union or political alliance.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

AN ORANGE GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GOLD RING. HEAD OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT.

18th - 19th century

Stone 14x16 mm; int. Size 15x21 mm; 5,04 gr

The head of the ruler in Hercules is facing left. The orange glass color is perfectly imitating the carnelian stone.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A GLASS IMPRESSION SET IN A GOLD FOB SEAL. PORTRAIT OF GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS KING OF SWEDEN SIGNED JACOBSON.

End of 18th century

Glass 19x22 mm; H 28 mm; 7,80 gr

Grand Tour Era glass impression after an intaglio depicting the portrait of Gustavus Adolphus king of Sweden (1594-1632) by a memebr of the danish Jacobson dinasty of engravers, probably Solomon Aaron Jacobson (1754-1830). Slight wear marks.

Salmonsen's Store Illustrerede Konversations-Lexicon with the JewishEncyclopedia.

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

A GRAND TOUR PONIATOWSKI GLASS CAST IMPRESSION. MENELAUS DESPOILING THE BODY OF PISANDER [CASSANDER].

19th century

32 x 35 x 7 mm

Beautiful mythological scene signed ΚΡΟΜΟΥ (by Kromos). Dark orange color. Wear marks.

This glass impression is after a cornelian intaglio. The original stone is published in Prendeville, J.: Explanatory catalogue of the proof-impressions of the antique gems possessed by the late Prince Poniatowski and now in the possession of John Tyrrell, Esq. (1841): 791. Previous Collections: Catalogue des pierres graves antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): V.62 (Beazley Archive database).



Provenance: U.K. private collection acquired in the british art market.

A LARGE CORAL CAMEO SET IN A GEORGIAN GOLD RING. BEARDED HEAD OF A RIVER GOD.

17th- 18th century

Cameo 17x26 mm; int. Size 19x21,5 mm; 19,19 gr.

With a large chiseled hoop with floral patterns expanding upwards onto an oval bezel set with a large coral cameo; the frontal face is characterized by a thick long beard and moustache, a flat large nose, small globular eyes with heavy eyelids and a protruding front head. The frontality as well as the features reminds some Italian Renaissance masks depicting river gods. Hallmarks inside the bezel (15, 625, b, and stema).This unusual male bearded portrait can be identified with a river god even if, however, the face resembles a Silenus and the hair seems to recall the Asian art.

Provenance: U.K. private collection

A LABRADORITE CAMEO SET IN A GOLD RING. GROTESQUE MASK.

19th century

Cameo 15x17 mm; Int. size 17x20 mm; 8,74 gr

The mask is carved in high relief and is characterized by a crown of leaves and bunches of grapes. The mouth is open in a smiling grin. The eyes are set with two diamonds. The stone has beautiful iridescent blue tones typical of this variety.

Provenance: U.K. private collection