Omphale Intaglio Ring

Sian Harlowe Antique Jewellery Verified independent store

→

Cornelian intaglio ring depicting Omphale wife of Hercules c.1820. Converted from a seal fob using the shoulders of the fob for the shank. 15 carat gold. Size 6.5. Head of ring 2 c ms by 1.8 cms. Omphale, Queen of Lydia, was a popular subject for intaglios and cameos from Ancient to Renaissance through to the c18th and c19th.Her imagery depicts her as a powerfully sensual woman who inverted traditional gender roles by making the hero Hercules her servant.She is most commonly shown wearing the Nemean lion skin and carrying the club of Hercules. Show more