|
HOME :
Intaglio Jewelry :
Archive : Antique Gold Ring Featuring a Classical Revival Glass Intaglio Carved by James Tassie
|
 |
|
|
|
Antique Gold Ring Featuring a Classical Revival Glass Intaglio Carved by James Tassie - FJ.6293
Origin: London
Circa: 18
th
Century AD
Collection: Intaglio Jewelry
Style: James Tassie
Medium: Glass, Gold
Additional Information: SOLD
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This genuine antique Classical Revival glass intalgio was created by the London-based Engraver James Tassie and has been mounted in an 14 karat gold ring that dates to the l8th century.
The eighteenth century was an opulent age in Europe; a lime when the nobility and upper classes spent fortunes for entertainment and dressed lavishly. Intaglios created from colored glass date to the eighteenth century when the Duke of Orleans employed the chemist Homburg to make glass intaglio reproductions from ancient gemstone intaglios in his own and the royal collection. This revival acted as an incentive to other artists, including the Glasgow born James Tassie. After settling in London Tassie created an extraordinary array of glass intaglios for many members of European royalty, including the Empress Catherine of Russia.
This charming ring shows a naked male figure pushing a large stone up a hill. This is most likely the wily Sisyphus, the mythical founder of Corinth, who was condemned to roll a stone eternally up a hill for having denounced the god Zeus. Another explanation may be the moment the goddess Athena threw a great stone hitting Hercules in the chest in order to stop his temporary madness. Whichever myth one chooses, the figure is bold and beautiful, carved with loving care, capturing the flavor of both the sumptuous eighteenth century and the ancient world.
- (FJ.6293)
|
| |
|
