1890 Greek mythology, Farness Bull, 9k gold shell carvings Amphion and Zethus Revenge Cameo Brooch

Description

1890, 9k gold shell carvings Amphion and Zethus Revenge Cameo Brooch,

gold stamp,

61x51mm, 23.8g,

the power of Greek mythology, a replica of the work of Artlles, an ancient Greek sculptor in the second century AD Farness Bull.

This fabulous quality antique Italian natural shell cameo is a wonderful size and depicts the mythical scene from its most potent angle. The power of the bull and the barely contained desperation of the figures can really be felt through the artistry, and the plinth the sculpture stands on takes up half of the carving, emphasizing the mountainous struggle between all three parties and focusing the subject with space around, giving nothing to distract the eye. It’s set into a simple yet high quality solid 9 carat gold mount, for wear as a brooch.
It dates from around 1890 and is in excellent, fully wearable condition throughout.

In a fit of powerful rage, Amphion and Zethus capture Lycus’ evil wife, Dirce and tie her to a bull to be torn apart, as she has persecuted their mother Antiope. She pleads for her life but in vain. The “Farnese Bull” is attributed by Pliny the Elder to Apollonius of Tralles, a Greek sculptor of the second century BC, an important period in the history of Hellenistic sculpture. He worked on it with his brother Tauriscus on the island of Rhodes, and a Roman copy of the Greek original now stands in the Naples Archaeological Museum.