Published 19th C. Neoclassical Sardonyx Cameo - Perseus

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Oct 31, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-10-31 10:00:00 2019-10-31 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-art-4581
Our Halloween Day auction features classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe, plus fine art. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Europe, Neoclassical, 19th century CE. A magnificent sardonyx and gold (73%, equivalent to 16K+) cameo of Perseus holding aloft the severed head of Medusa - expertly carved and set in an octagonal gold mount with decorative scrolled passages on the four long sides to be worn as a brooch. Perseus stands on his base with a dramatic pose, his weight shifted to his left leg and his right leg pointing slightly outward. He grips his sword in his right hand and lifts the head of Medusa with his left. Nude save a winged Phrygian cap and a long piece of drapery cascading over his left upper arm and falling behind his feet, the hearo turns his head 90 degrees to his left and gazes upon the freshly severed head of the legendary Gorgon Medusa. Size: 1.875" H (4.8 cm) mounted
  
  The image on this cameo is based upon Antonio Canova's famous marble statue (1804-1806) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - inv. 67.110.1.
  
  In the catalogue for the exhibition, "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World", curator Sarah E. Cox writes that she included this piece in the "Dressed to Survive" section of the exhibition, as Perseus was tasked with eliminating the mortal Gorgon monster. Dr. Cox contextualized this piece with the story of Perseus and Medusa, "The Gorgons were three sisters, living at the edge of the world, who could turn people to stone with their frightful appearance. Only one of them, Medusa, was mortal, so she could be killed. Perseus was sent to accomplish that task. Aided by Athena, Hermes, and nymphs, he obtained the appropriate implements: a cap rendering him invisible, a special sword with a curved protrusion on the side (the harpe), winged sandals, and a large bag. Coming upon Medusa while she slept and using her reflection on his shield to see her safely, Perseus cut off her head and put it in the bag, which he gave to Athena. Medusa's head became the centerpiece of the goddess' aegis."
  
  Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 31, p. 6, discussion on p. 5).
  
  Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Frances Artuner Collection, Belgium 1960's; Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 31, p. 6, discussion on p. 5).
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #146268

  Condition

  Sardonyx cameo is in excellent condition. Gold mount/brooch setting is superb as well - pin is present and functions well.
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