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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Jewellery & Gems / Rare Antique Shell Cameo in a Vintage Gold Setting, c. 1870/1960
This unusual 19th century shell cameo shows an unlikely couple from ancient mythology: Heracles and Omphale, recognizable by the attributes of Heracles, the lion's skin and the club. Depictions of Heracles can be found again and again in the medium of the shell cameo, as the always bearded, usually handsome man found admirers in every era. Rare, however, is the depiction of the hero of classical antiquity together with Omphale. The figure of Omphale is known from the myth of Heracles. Heracles had to serve as a slave as atonement for the murder of Iphitos and was bought by Queen Omphale. During this time, Heracles punished robbers who made his mistress' land unsafe and defended it against invading enemies. When the queen learned that her slave was the demigod Heracles, she married him. In blind love for Omphale, Heracles did everything she asked. She made him dress in women's clothes, spin wool and do other women's work, while she wore his lion skin and carried his weapons. When the time of punishment was over, Heracles realized his situation and left Omphale. The basic outline of the Omphale myth dates back to the 5th century BC. The mockery of the supposedly effeminate man in the story of Heracles and Omphale took on new meaning in Roman times, in Augustus' propaganda against Marcus Antonius, who had fallen for Cleopatra. The cameo presents the double portrait elegantly and artistically against a dark background. Quite literally, the strong woman stands behind her strong husband. The setting of the scene is made of high-carat gold and makes it wearable as a brooch. It was created in the second half of the 20th century. The beautiful brooch came to us from Munich.
Estimate:£832.44
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Hammer price:
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Estimate:
£832.44
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
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