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Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring

$7,550.00

US UK

Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring

$7,550.00

Description

DATE: Late 18th Century, c.1800

Hercules, the famous son of Zeus and Alcmene in ancient mythology. Zeus was the king of all the gods, and Hercules' mother, Alcmene, was a mortal princess seduced by Zeus disguised as Amphitryon, her soon to be husband. Hera, Zeus' wife was jealous of Zeus's infidelity, so she sent snakes to kill him in his cradle, but the infant Hercules strangled them! She then planned the brutal murder of his mother Alcmene, so seeking redemption, he undertook the Twelve Labours, a series of nearly impossible tasks that demonstrate his incredible might and courage, induced by King Eurystheus. These included the slaying of the Nemean lion, the slaying of the nine headed hydra of Lerna and the capture of the wild boar of Mount Erymanthus. 

Here he is carved in shell cameo relief, depicted as a young man, with realistic hair and facial features. The quality of the carving is beautiful, and it rests in a buttery high karat gold mount. It dates from the late 18th century, circa 1800, and remain in lovely antique condition. 

STONES 

Hardstone Cameo

MEASUREMENTS 

Head: 2.9 x 2cm

Rise off finger: 8.7mm

Width of band: 2.2mm

WEIGHT 

15.8g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 18k gold 

CONDITION 

Very good, very light wear commensurate with age 

Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring Late 18th Century Young Hercules Portrait Cameo Ring