17th Century Zeus Cameo Brooch
This coral cameo dates from the 1600s and depicts Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, in high relief and stunning detail. It's carved from a single piece of red coral sourced off the coast of Naples and set in a 19th century Georgian Regency period brooch mount.
Zeus was the third son and sixth and final child born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea. After castrating his father, Uranus, Cronus became the supreme ruler of the cosmos.
Cronus had received a terrifying prophecy from his parents (Gaia and Uranus) that suggested one of his children would eventually usurp him, as he had his own father, so as each child was in turn born, Cronus ate them whole. Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, and Poseidon all ended up in the belly of their father causing their mother Rhea "unceasing grief". While carrying her sixth child, Zeus, she concocted a plan with the help of her parents (also Gaia and Uranus). They decided she would travel to Lyctus in Crete where she would give birth to Zeus before handing him over to Gaia who would raise him in a cave on Mount Aegaeon. Rhea then gives to Cronus, in the place of a child, a stone wrapped in swaddling clothes which he promptly swallows, unaware that it isn't his third son.
Zeus grows up swiftly, and on his reaching manhood (probably at like 14) "by the stratagems of Gaia, but also by the skills and strength of Zeus" Cronus is forced to vomit up the stone and the five siblings (in reverse order). He then goes on to free the Cyclopes who gifts him his thunderbolt as a token of gratitude, before beginning the Titanomachy, whereby the Olympian gods, led by Zeus, overthrow the Titans to assume ultimate control of the cosmos - with Zeus claiming the throne. This was, naturally, just the beginning of what was to be a long and eventful reign...
His symbol was the eagle, representing power and majesty, and his sacred tree was the oak, through which he was said to manifest: when the oak leaves rustled, Zeus was speaking. His Roman equivalent was Jupiter, who also reigned supreme over their pantheon.
Era: Mount is Georgian, circa 1810 and cameo is 17th century
Size: 3.8cm by 3.1cm
Stone: Coral
Marks: None present
Condition: Good antique condition, the cameo has some old damage visible to the reverse, and just above the head. It's been repaired, and subject itself remains unaffected. Light wear to the mount consistent with age, including rubbing to the gilding around the outer edges
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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