Details

LOT 2147

Large Post-Classical Glass Paste Cameo of a Female Figure with Eagle

20TH CENTURY A.D.

3 3/8 in. (118 grams, 87 mm).

A cameo scene comprising a standing female figure with hair tied in a chignon, approaching a perching eagle with wings spread and clutching a sphere in one claw; the woman drawing the bird's beak close to her forehead; the eagle with claws extended leaning on a branch; exergue below.

Provenance

Private collection, England.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13172-249567.

Footnotes

The eagle is probably a metamorphosed personification of Jupiter, and the globe is a symbol of domain and military power. The scene is an interesting allegorical composition with possible references to the metamorphosis and Jupiter's love affairs, considering the presence of the naked female figure. The peculiar superimposition of the limbs is inspired by ancient models. The scene is engraved on the white layer of the glass paste, characterised by a dark violet second layer (seen with a powerful light from the back). On the back, traces of the glass dough melting. The evident presence of clear engraving marks and the cut glass bubbles confirms the fact that this work is an intaglio (not a cast). A work with a personality, showing undercuts.