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Details
An 18th century chalcedony intaglio
carved as the figure of Marsyas seated on a fleece beside a tree, his pan pipes hanging from a nearby branch, with indistinct signature in Greek, in ring mount with swept shoulders.
See plate 2
carved as the figure of Marsyas seated on a fleece beside a tree, his pan pipes hanging from a nearby branch, with indistinct signature in Greek, in ring mount with swept shoulders.
See plate 2
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis
Further details
In Greek myth Marsyas, a Satyr, was a skilful flute-player. The instrument had been invented by Minerva but she threw it away and laid a curse on it. The flute was picked up by the hapless Marsyus who angered Apollo with his pride in his playing. Apollo challenged him to a playing contest, the flute versus the lyre, the winner having the choice of any penalty for the loser. Apollo won and inflicted terrible punishment on Marsyas, having him tied to a pine tree and flayed alive.