Fine Jewellery - 1st November 2018
Lot 1869
A late 18th/early 19th century carved two-colour hardstone cameo-mounted ring
Estimate £1,500 - £2,000 | Hammer £2400
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Description
A late 18th/early 19th century carved two-colour hardstone cameo-mounted ring, the cameo depicting Omphale in profile wearing the Nemean lion skin, gold mount, 2.7cm high, size T
The subject is based on the story of Hercules being submitted, by the oracle, to three years of servitude for having killed Iphitos. He was bought as a slave by the Queen of Lydie, Omphale. During this time they became lovers and many amorous paintings were executed by Boucher, Lemoyne and Rubens. Omphale was recorded as mocking her servant to the extent of extreme indignation by wearing his Nemean lion skin and even made Hercules wear women's clothes. The subject of this cameo has been heavily influenced from an original 1st-2nd century AD glass cameo which is housed in the British Museum as exhibit no. 1923,0401.1056.
Literature: For a similar cameo, see WALTERS, H. B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, (London: BMP: 1926), gem 3805.