Austrian 1840 Vienna 22Kt Flora Etruscan Revival Pendant In Agathe With Enamel
Viennese 1840 Etruscan revival agate cameo of Flora.
This fabulous rare Austrian piece features a tree-dimensional cameo piece, carved from two layers of natural agate, with gradations of colors; from translucent orange brown to frosted white with hints of light yellow in the hairs part.
It is obvious that the matrix of the agate gem was carefully chosen in order to obtain this color gradation. The quality of the carving is exceptional, with intricate thorough details, for example, the ear and the incised lines of the hair, dress and bust are magnificent.
The carving depicts, the naked profile portrait bust of the classical Greek-Roman goddess of the flowers and nature Flora, facing to the left. dressed and crowned with flowers, wheat and ivy.
The mount frame is crafted with Etruscan revival patterns in solid rich high carat gold of 22 karats. The edge have textured doted geometric designs and the borders are embellished with applications of blue and white hot enamels. The reverse is suited with a hinged horizontal pin to be wear as a brooch and with a retractable hoop to wear into a chain. In addition have a small discrete hook at 6 to hang a watch or memento.
This piece has a total weight of 32.95 grams and a measures of 60 mm (2.35 inches) by 45 mm (1.77 inches) by 18 mm.
The frame Is stamped with the Austrian assay hallmarks; 91, Indicating the gold purity is 91.6% equivalent to 22 karats and the agate with the engraver initials J.E.
Note: Many nineteenth-century jewelers, the most famous being the House of Castellani, were inspired to create their own versions of these ancient pieces, hence “Etruscan Revival.” Characteristics of Etruscan style jewelry include use of high karat gold and semi-precious stones like lapis, malachite and agates, and most distinguishingly, the use of intricate filigree and granulation.
Flora, was the deity of the flowering plants, fertility, spring, and blossoming. Although she was a minor figure compared to other goddesses of the Roman empire, she was important as a fertility goddess. Flora was responsible for the abundance of the crops in spring, so her worship strengthened as this season approached. Her name derives from the Latin floris, which means flower, and her Greek counterpart was the nymph, Chloris. The Sabine King Titus Tatius introduced Flora into the Roman pantheon.
It is in perfect condition and is accompanied by the original fitted jewelry box from the period.
INVENTORY REF: P0000SMEN/.9673
