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Minoan Carved Carnelian Intaglio in 18ct Gold Georgian Ring

904F
Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A rare ancient carnelian intaglio depicting Minotaurus attacking a youth. Minotaurus was a monster with a human body and a bull’s head. He is said to have been the offspring of Pasiphaë and the bull sent from the sea to Minos, who shut him up in the Cnossian labyrinth, and fed him with the bodies of the youths and maidens whom the Athenians at fixed times were obliged to send to Minos as tribute. The monster was finally slain by Theseus. It is set in a Roman setting in 18ct gold made circa 1820 when the Grand Tour was in full swing and such early treasures were set in ring mounts and sold to the tourists.

Ollys Pick

Rare and unusual

Item Number
904F
Measurements
Top Section 1.5 cm by 1.3 cm
Materials
Date & Origin
Georgian (1714-1830)
Minoan intaglio . European mount
Provenance
Italian
Hallmarks
Unmarked, tested to 18ct gold
Condition
Very good, pitting to the surface of the carnelian in keeping with the age of it
Discovered
6 years ago
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