Unusual Ring Shell Cameo With Zeus And Hera In Gold, Around 1870 And Later

The gods of antiquity may have dwelled in the lofty spheres of Olympus, but they were certainly capable of very worldly emotions. Revenge, hatred, and anger were as much a part of their nature as love and desire. Their paths often led them to earthly realms, where they caused considerable upheaval in the lives of mortals. Zeus, the father of the gods, was particularly known for his numerous amorous adventures, often pursued in various transformed guises. He sought to deceive both his unsuspecting chosen ones and his ever-jealous and suspicious wife, Hera. However, the divine philanderer’s escapades rarely went unnoticed—and seldom without consequences—leading to all manner of dramatic conflicts among gods and mortals alike. On this vividly carved shell cameo, however, we see the divine couple depicted in tender togetherness. Zeus and Hera, who were not only husband and wife but also siblings, are portrayed as rulers of Olympus. Both are shown in profile: Zeus crowned with laurel, and Hera wearing a diadem, the so-called stepháne (Greek στεφάνη). A simple gold setting frames the oval cameo with a twisted rope border, allowing us to date the piece to around 1870. We believe the cameo and its setting originally formed an earring, later converted into a ring around the turn of the century, as indicated by the differing color of the gold shank compared to the ring’s head. This unusual cameo is both a remarkable collector’s piece and a wearable work of art.

Estimate:£755.99

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