A fine neoclassical carnelian intaglio signed Gnaios, set in a gold brooch. Perseus cutting the head of Medusa.

19th century.

Stone 35 x 42 mm; mounting 44 x 52 mm; 18,05 gr.

This gem is not listed in the Beazley Archive inventory of the Poniatowski gems. But, interestingly, there is a similar scene : PERSEUS CUTTING OFF THE HEAD OF MEDUSA, signed  ΔΙΟΣΚΟΥΡΙΔΟΥ, current collection: Unknown (Sardonyx), Cfr.: Catalogue des pierres gravées antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): IV.19; Christie’s, London: 1839-1324; Calandrelli drawing, Antikensammlung Berlin: Z.II.23; 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): 483; Monson, (Lord); Christie’s, London: June 9, 1851, lot 158, 231 and 239; Platz-Horster,G.: L’antica maniera. Zeichnungen und Gemmen des Giovanni Calandrelli in der Antikensammlung Berlin (2005): p.33.

Might it be that a second version, or the original model, of that intaglio? In this unpublished  version, the style and the executive technique are superior and the composition slightly different from the drawing  for some variants. Here the hero stands in the center of the scene, facing left to decapitate Medusa asleep on top of the rocks; however, in the act of raising his sword, he looks back at his monstrous reflection in the shield, not to be petrified by his fatal gaze. The signature: ΓΝΑΙΟΣ. Probably by Calandrelli. Very fine gold setting, dating from the 19^th century.

Provenance: Uk private collection, London. Probably from the Poniatowski collection.