A fine neoclassical Poniatowski carnelian intaglio signed Dioscourides, set in a gold frame. The Sleep with a lion.

19th century.

Stone 23,5 x 36,5 mm; mounting 27 x 39,5 mm; 10,17 gr.

The personification of sleep, resting upon a couched lion. The animal is facing right, the young naked figure facing left. The scene is set inside a cave made from large rocks. An owl flies high, a symbol of the night. Below, the signature in greek letters: ΔΙΟΣΚΟΥΡΙΔΟΥ. Beautiful composition. The figures and the rocks are mirror polished with great skill. The gem is set in a 19th century gold frame.

Provenance and literature: Catalogue des pierres graves antiques de S.A. le Prince Stanislas Poniatowski ([1830?]-1833): II.196 Christie's, London: 1839-1841 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): 337. Gabriele Vangelli de Cresci, A MINIMA AD MAXIMA, p. 499

Estimate: GBP 4000 - 6000