The Punishment of Cupid: An Engraved Gem from the Wellington Collection
TEFAF Meet the Experts programs celebrate the expertise of our world-renowned exhibitors, spotlighting exceptional objects and the stories they tell. Discover an antique gold ring depicting the mischievous god Cupid formerly in the collection of the 2nd Duke of Wellington.
Overview
This antique gold ring mounted with a dark brown sard intaglio depicts the mischievous god of desire, Cupid, chained to a plinth and weeping. The gem was carved by one of the most notable engravers of the early 19th century, Luigi Pichler (1773–1854). It was acquired by Arthur Wellesley, 2nd Duke of Wellington (1807–1884), an avid collector of engraved gems, who assembled an important collection of ancient and renaissance cameos and intaglios, as well as the work of contemporary gem engravers working in London and Rome.
Biography
Thomas Holman is a specialist in engraved gems and 19th and early 20th century jewelry design. He curated the firm’s most recent exhibition entitled Multum in Parvo: A Collection of Engraved Gems and wrote the accompanying catalogue. He lectures about the history of jewellery and lapidary work widely, recently speaking at The Fitzwilliam Museum, Chatsworth House, and The Jewellery Historians Society.
Location & Access
Programming will take place at the at the stand of the exhibitor at TEFAF Maastricht. Please note that TEFAF Programming is free with a valid ticket to TEFAF Maastricht. Do note that there is limited spots availability. If you have not registered for programming or bought your ticket for TEFAF Maastricht: click the button “sign up” and purchase your ticket for TEFAF Maastricht.
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Image: Courtesy of Wartski, London.