A large late renaissance agate intaglio. Mythological scene with Triptolemus and Ceres.

16th ...

A large late renaissance agate intaglio. Mythological scene with Triptolemus and Ceres.

16th century.

28 x 40 x 8 mm.

Interesting allegorical scene depicting Triptolemus who received poppy flowers from Ceres; these flowers, distributed to farmers, produce a sweet sleep and a quiet rest. The female figure is also interpreted as the Night. After an intaglio by Valerio Belli. In this scene there is a column in the center, which divides the composition into two parts. On the left side, the farmers: one standing, one kneeling and one sitting, offering flowers. On the right, Ceres gives flowers to Triptolemus, who is depicted naked with a cloak. The work is executed on a beautiful, very large three-layered agate, with great technical and artistic mastery. Signs of wear. Parallels: L.P. P. Stefanelli, La Collezione Paoletti, vol. 1, p. 134 n. 198. After a model of Valerio Belli. Cfr. red jasper intaglio, Paris, BNF Cabinet des Médailles (Mariette 1750, I, tav. LX- Reinach 1895, tav. 88, 60. Valerio Belli Vincentino 2000, p. 359 n. 157, fig. p. 146. Cfr. Plaquette in Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg.

Provenance: UK private collection.