Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels
Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels
Italian, 18th century or earlier
Intaglio with Messalina
Lot Closed
December 15, 11:08 AM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Italian, 18th century or earlier
Intaglio with Messalina
hessonite, within a later ring mount
16mm., 5/8 in.
UK ring size: P 1/2
Possibly 'Lord Montague', probably Lord Robert Montagu (1825 – 1902)
Messalina (17/20 - 48 AD) was the third wife of the Emperor Claudius. The present intaglio may be the one published in the collection of Lord Montague [sic] by James Vallentin in his One Hundred and Eight Engravings from Antique Gems, London, 1863. The engraving illustrated (1764) by Thomas Worlidge (1700–1766) appears to be based on the impression (and is thus reversed).