Lot 258 , A fine carnelian intaglio, late 18th/early 19th century

A fine carnelian intaglio, late 18th/early 19th century, the oval carnelian intricately carved with a bearded bust of Asclepius in profile alongside his staff encircled by a snake, rub over-set in a gold ring mount, intaglio approximately 18 x 16mm, unsigned, ring size L1/2, ring mounted possibly later, gross weight approximately 6 grams

Asclepius or Aesculapius is the son of Apollo and the Thessalian princess Coronis, and the Graeco-Roman god of medicine. Worshipped for his healing powers in temples known as Asclepieia, his children were known as the 'Asclepiades' and included various personifications of the different aspects of medicine including Hygeia (hygiene) and Panacea (universal remedy). Asclepius occasionally used his healing powers to resurrect the dead, which incurred the wrath of Hades. Fearing that he would spread his healing knowledge to the human population and consequently upset the balance of life and death, Zeus killed Asclepius, and at the request of the grief-stricken Apollo, immortalised him as a star. His distinctive staff, entwined with a snake, remains a prominent symbol for the medical profession.

Cf.: a very similar 1st century CE Roman intaglio, formerly in the famed collection of George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough, now in the Walters Museum, ref. 42.1108
£300-500

Condition:
Very fine and attractive carving in good relief, minor areas of wear to carving but overall high quality and in good condition. Gold mount possibly original, possibly later. Shank slightly worn but still in good condition, ring outline slightly squat.

Sold for £2,600