Large Georgian Ring with Agate Cameo in Gold, Probably England c. 1820

Alexander Shows Profile

Large Georgian Ring with Agate Cameo in Gold, Probably England c. 1820

€ 2,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

This rare ring from the early 19th century depicts one of the most famous generals of classical antiquity: Alexander the Great. During his short reign from 336 to 323 BC, Alexander created the largest empire in the ancient world. On his campaigns from Macedonia, he conquered the Persian Empire and even penetrated as far as modern-day India. Alexander's profile is cut from a layered agate. Unlike shell cameos, where the soft limestone shell allows the carver to work easily, cutting gems from hardstone is much more difficult. The material is much harder and requires great skill. This makes the quality of the stone carving on this cameo, which we date to around 1820, all the more impressive. The head of the young god stands out delicately white against its brownish background. Alexander can be recognized by his typical hairstyle with his hair swept back, the anastole and his rich curls that reach down to the nape of his neck. This depiction of Alexander is very common in the medium of the cameo, cf. e.g. a late 18th century work in the British Museum in London, , cf. here, an early 19th century cameo in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, see here, or a very beautiful work by Antonio Amastini, also in hardstone, auctioned at Sotheby's, see here. Here the commander is set in gold, with an overlay of fine gold. The ring has been preserved in its original case made of leather, velvet and silk. It was probably made in England at the beginning of the 19th century. We discovered the ring in London

Size & Details

Alexander Shows Profile

€ 2,980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

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