Women Power

Earrings Made of Antique Gold Elements with Cameos of Omphale, c. 1845 & later


€ 890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Earrings Made of Antique Gold Elements with Cameos of Omphale, c. 1845 & later
Earrings Made of Antique Gold Elements with Cameos of Omphale, c. 1845 & later
Description
This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!
Two women with diadems and elegantly pinned-up hair are depicted here in the medium of shell cameo. Their gaze is calm yet powerful, directed straight ahead. However, a second glance at the classically draped figures is puzzling—are those clubs they are carrying over their shoulders? The two women shown here represent Omphale. This queen of classical mythology is known from the stories of Heracles. As atonement for the murder of the king’s son Iphitus, Heracles was enslaved and purchased by Omphale. He initially defended his mistress’s land against invading enemies. However, upon discovering that her slave was none other than the demigod Heracles, Omphale promptly made him her husband. Blinded by love for Omphale, Heracles did everything she demanded. She ordered him to wear women’s clothing, spin wool, and carry out other “women’s work,” while she donned his lion skin and wielded his weapons. In the bas-relief carvings of these earrings, the strong woman is depicted holding Heracles’ club. The late Biedermeier cameos are set in gold, secured by a simple collet within broad, quatrefoil-shaped engraved gold frames. The gold frames with their cameos were created in the 1840s, likely as part of a bracelet. At a later time, the elements were fitted with gold ear hooks, transforming them into earrings.
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Size & Details
Earrings Made of Antique Gold Elements with Cameos of Omphale, c. 1845 & later
Women Power
€ 890.00 *
Content 1 piece
Incl. VAT, Shipping
Our Promise
Our Promise
Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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