Eye Agate Theatre Mask Intaglio
From the Journal
Intaglio Rings and Jewellery: A Collector's Guide
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A 19th-century intaglio of a classical theatre mask, cut in sheep's eye agate and set as a pendant in gold.Eye agate is banded agate cut so that a dark centre is ringed by a band of white, and engravers prized it for exactly this effect. Here the dark field becomes a stage for the mask, and the white ring frames it like a halo. It is an unusual and striking choice of stone.The subject is a theatrical mask, or prosopon, in profile, with an open, roaring mouth. It wears an animal pelt as a headdress, possibly the skin of the Nemean lion worn by Hercules, or a wolf. Beneath the mask is a sword, with rope-like ties below. Masks like this were a favourite neoclassical subject, drawn from the Greek theatre.The mount is unmarked and tests as 18K gold.A dramatic, collectable jewel with a strong graphic presence.Details: 19th century; neoclassical style; sheep's eye agate intaglio; gold mount testing 18K, unmarked; 2.6 × 2.2 cm; 5.95g.Condition: The intaglio is very good and the mount good. The bail has a later laser repair.
A 19th-century intaglio of a classical theatre mask, cut in sheep's eye agate and set as a pendant in gold.
Eye agate is banded agate cut so that a dark centre is ringed by a band of white, and engravers prized it for exactly this effect. Here the dark field becomes a stage for the mask, and the white ring frames it like a halo. It is an unusual and striking choice of stone.
The subject is a theatrical mask, or prosopon, in profile, with an open, roaring mouth. It wears an animal pelt as a headdress, possibly the skin of the Nemean lion worn by Hercules, or a wolf. Beneath the mask is a sword, with rope-like ties below. Masks like this were a favourite neoclassical subject, drawn from the Greek theatre.
The mount is unmarked and tests as 18K gold.
A dramatic, collectable jewel with a strong graphic presence.
Details: 19th century; neoclassical style; sheep's eye agate intaglio; gold mount testing 18K, unmarked; 2.6 × 2.2 cm; 5.95g.
Condition: The intaglio is very good and the mount good. The bail has a later laser repair.
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