Artemisia Contemplating Mausolus Ashes: Pichler Carnelian Intaglio

Carnelian intaglio, attributed to Pilcher, depicting Artemisia…
click the photo to enlarge
carnelian intaglio, attributed to Pilcher, depicting Artemisia contemplating the ashes of Mausolus signed in ancient Greek Pilcher, weight 2.9gm, measuring approx. 23.60 x 19.80 mm. The signature of the artist Pichler appears in Greek beneath the reclining figure. Pichler was the family name of four distinguished Italian craftsmen, working principally in Rome from the 1780s to the 1850s. Gem-cutters like the Pichlers, who worked in the classical style, usually signed their names in Greek. The name was inscribed backwards on this gem so that it would be legible when the design was stamped into a soft material such as wax. For similar examples see the Getty Museum collection.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Intaglio - A term used to define a method of decoration most common in glassmaking and jewellery which involves engraving, carving or moulding an image into the background, leaving an impression, and leaving the top surface of the item flat, the opposite to relief carving, and also know as counter-relief.
  • Attributed - A cataloguing term where the item in the opinion of the cataloguers, is a of the period of the artist, craftsman or designer, and which probably in whole or part is the work of that person.
  • Carnelian Glass - Carnelian glass is a type of glass that is colored red, orange, or brownish-red. It is made by adding iron oxide to the glass mixture. The color of carnelian glass can vary depending on the amount of iron oxide that is added, as well as the firing temperature. Carnelian glass is often used to make beads, jewellery, and other decorative items. It can also be used to make stained glass windows and other art objects. Carnelian glass is sometimes called "carnelian chalcedony" or "carnelian quartz."

    Carnelian glass was first made in the Roman Empire. It was also made in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia. Carnelian glass was not made again until the Renaissance, when it became popular again. Today, carnelian glass is made in many countries around the world.

This item has been included into following indexes: