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Victorian Silver Ariadne Panther Figural Watch Fob Seal browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry:Silver:Victorian: Pre 1900: item # 785303
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A superb Victorian silver figural watch fob and seal depicting Ariadne astride her panther. The image is a copy of the famous marble sculpture (1810-14) by Johann Heinrich von Dannecker (1758-1841) which resides in the Liebighaus Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. The figure represents the goddess Ariadne, who after being spurned by Theseus is invited to the island of Naxos by the god Bacchus. The latter gives her a wreath of grape leaves to wear in her hair and sends a panther to carry her back to him. The statue was considered one of the greatest sculptural achievements of the 19th century and was renowned throughout Europe. It was especially esteemed by men who appreciated the fully unclothed woman juxtaposed with the wild animal and on her way to a "Bacchanalian experience". The workmanship on the fob is superb. Marked "900". Origin: Germany, ca. 1840. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, never engraved. Size: 1" x 7/8". Weight: 11.25 grams. |
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