A fine neoclassical Poniatowski chalcedony intaglio signed Gnaios, set in a gold frame. Crimisus and Egesta.

19th century.

Stone 27 x 36 mm; mounting 30 x 39 mm; 13,34 gr.

Crimisus, the river god of Sicily, in a shape of a bear, paying court to Egesta. The woman is sitting on top of the rocks, with her body to the left but turns back to hug the bear. Vegetation in the background. Interesting scene of Metamorphosis and love. The signature: ΓΝΑΙΟΣ. Beautiful chalcedony, set in a 19th century gold frame.

Provenance and literature: Catalogue des pierres graves antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): IV.345 Christie's, London: 1839-2426 Prendeville, J.: Explanatory catalogue of the proof-impressions of the antique gems possessed by the late Prince Poniatowski and now in the possession of John Tyrrell, Esq. (1841): 739 Monson, (Lord) Christie's, London: June 9, 1851lot 226.

Estimate: GBP 4000 - 6000