Salomon Jacobsen (1756- circa 1829) | Danish, circa 1820-1835 | After Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) | Intaglio with Pastorello or The Shepherd Boy

This superb intaglio is engraved with the image of Thorvaldsen's Shepherd Boy and his Dog or Pastorello, which was conceived in the early years of the 19th century by the great Danish Neoclassicist and inspired by the ancient Spinario. One of the earliest versions is in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg (1819-1822; inv. no. H.CK-508). Further versions are in the Thorvaldsen Museum Copenhagen (1822-1825l; inv. no. A895); at Waddesdon (inv. no. 6127.1); and in Manchester City Art Gallery (inv. no. 1937.672). Salomon Jacobsen was the son of the gem engraver Aaron Jacobsen (d. 1770). He was engraver to the Danish Royal Court and member of the Academy in Copenhagen. The present gem is beautifully conceived and well preserved. The high quality of the engraving accurately conveys the classicism of Thorvaldsen's model.