|
HOME :
Intaglio Jewelry :
Classical Revival Seal Rings : Carnelian Intaglio Depicting a Horse
|
 |
|
|
|
Carnelian Intaglio Depicting a Horse - FJ.6411
Origin: Europe
Circa: 1700
AD
to 1800
AD
Collection: Seal Rings/ Intaglios
Medium: Carnelian-Gold
$3,600.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This intaglio is set in an 18 karat gold ring.
The art of glyptics, or carving on colored
precious stones, is probably one of the oldest
known to humanity. Intaglios, gems with an
incised design, were made as early as the fourth
and third millennia BC in Mesopotamia and
Aegean Islands. They display a virtuosity of
execution that suggests an old and stable
tradition rooted in the earliest centuries. The
tools required for carving gems were simple: a
wheel with a belt-drive and a set of drills.
Abrasives were necessary since the minerals
used were too hard for a metal edge. A special
difficulty of engraving intaglios, aside from their
miniature size, was that the master had to work
with a mirror-image in mind.
In every age and throughout the world horses
have probably been the most admired and
coveted of all animals. They were regarded as
status symbols of wealth in ancient times,
beloved by artists for their grace, dignity and
noble stature. These qualities are remarkably
evident on this fine intaglio; the horse's body is
very nicely engraved, its legs delicate but strong,
with the front left leg raised and the head turned
to look behind, exposing the elegant neck. A
tree is seen to the right, and below it what
appears to be a shield in the foreground. The
natural glow of the carnelian gives a sense of
warmth of the outdoors, where the beautiful
horse can roam wild and free.
- (FJ.6411)
|
| |
|
