Details
An 18th century gold fob seal with 16th century bloodstone intaglio attributed to Valerio Belli (1468-1546)
The oval seal depicting a sacrifice to Bacchus, a goat being killed above the altar, held by a young man and elderly priest, while a man in bacchic-dress plays the flute, a guttum (small flask) is on the ground, and flames are issuing from the altar (visible crack) the gold mount of typical fluted form
The oval seal depicting a sacrifice to Bacchus, a goat being killed above the altar, held by a young man and elderly priest, while a man in bacchic-dress plays the flute, a guttum (small flask) is on the ground, and flames are issuing from the altar (visible crack) the gold mount of typical fluted form
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Further details
The subject is similar to that of a carnelian in the Cabinet of Médailles in Paris from which is copied a very poor carnelian intaglio in Florence, as well as various bronze medals by Belli, the style of the gem is typical of Belli's work and his use of bloodstone is evident in other examples of intaglios by the artist