Europe, Neoclassical, 19th century CE. A beautiful sardonyx cameo of the nymph Arethusa, so finely sculpted with mesmerizing details - note her wavy coiffure with each tress meticulously delineated so as to flow away from her beautiful face, delicate facial features that are quite naturalistic despite the nymph's mythical status, as well as her elegant wreath of grain ears and lovely pearl necklace and earring with three pendants. This cameo was modeled on silver coins minted by the Syracusan ruler Agathocles in the late fourth to early third century BCE. Size: 1.875" H (4.8 cm)
Arethusa is the patron figure of Syracuse. She was a nymph and a Nereid, a daughter of Nereus, who fled from the unwanted advances of creepy river god Alpheus. She sought help from Artemis, and ultimately wound up in the sea. When Demeter sought her daughter Persephone, kidnapped by Hades, Arethusa gave the goddess information on her daughter in exchange for Demeter discontinuing her punishment of Sicily. The coins bearing Arethusa's image, surrounded by dolphins, are among the most beautiful from ancient Greece.
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. 30, p. 10, discussion p. 4).
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Frances Artuner Collection, Belgium, 1960s; 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. 30, p. 10, discussion p. 4).
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#146267
Condition
Near choice. Since the piece is not mounted, the white banding is visible along the sides. The back is flat. Minor scuffs and stain from old collection label on the verso. Another collection label remains.