Lotto 370 | A fine neoclassical Poniatowski carnelian intaglio signed Arogillos, set in a gold frame. Allegory of the universal power of Zeus. 19th century.

Bertolami Fine Art - Bertolami Fine Art, 1 Harewood Place 1, W1S 1BU Londra

A fine neoclassical Poniatowski carnelian intaglio signed Arogillos, set in a gold frame. Allegory of the universal power of Zeus. 19th century.

A fine neoclassical Poniatowski carnelian intaglio signed Arogillos, set in a gold frame. Allegory of the universal power of Zeus.

19th century.

This gem is not listed in the Beazley Archive inventory of the Poniatowski gems. But, interestingly, there is only one with the inscription ΑΡΟΓΙΛΛΟΣ (ref. Christie’s, London: 1839-293 = Catalogue des pierres gravées antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): II.155): a carnelian intaglio described as “Nemesis receiving from Jupiter the Laws of the Universe”. Might it be that the 19th century catalogue misdescribed this gem? In the intaglio depicting the allegory of the universal power of Zeus, the divinity is seated on a flying eagle, with open wings: the animal holds lightning in its claws. Zeus is depicted frontally, with his head in profile to the right, while the eagle looks to the left; the god holds a scepter. On the sides, allegorical symbols of his universal power and law: A ship’s prow with rudder (sea); a panoply-type military emblema consisting of a shield, spear, sword and helmet (earth); The sky is symbolized by its epiphany on the eagle with lightning. Below, the signature in Greek. The gem is set in a 19th century gold mounting.   

Provenance: Uk private collection, London. Probably from the Poniatowski collection.

Stone 24 x 31 mm; mounting 26 x 34 mm; 7, 35 gr.