Rare Shell Cameo of Omphale Mounted as a Gold Brooch, c. 1840s

A beautiful woman with a diadem and pinned-up hair is depicted here in the medium of the shell cameo. She looks calmly and determinedly straight ahead. A second glance at the classically dressed figure, however, is confusing. Is it a club that the lady is carrying over her shoulder? And what exactly is the grim-looking, bearded little man doing on her chest? The lady depicted here is Omphale. This queen from classical mythology is known to us from the stories about Heracles. He was enslaved as atonement for the murder of the king's son Iphitos and bought by Omphale. Heracles then initially defended his mistress's land against invading enemies. However, when Omphale learned that her slave was the demigod Heracles, she quickly made him her husband. In blind love for Omphale, Heracles did everything his wife asked. She made him wear women's clothes, spin wool and do other so-called women's work, while she wore his lion skin and bore his weapons. When the time of punishment was over, Heracles left Omphale. The basic outlines of this myth can be traced back to the 5th century BC. However, the mockery of the supposedly effeminate man in the story of Heracles and Omphale took on new meaning in Roman times: it is to be seen in the context of Augustus' propaganda against Marcus Antonius, as the latter was romantically associated with Cleopatra. In the carving on this brooch, the strong woman is depicted in the arms of Heracles – it is his club that she is carrying. Perhaps the bearded little man refers to Heracles himself, as a diminished and subjugated version of the demigod who was otherwise considered invincible. The late Biedermeier cameo is set in gold. A simple frame holds the cameo and four stylized acanthus leaves hold a rounded frame at a slight distance from the subject. We date this unusual piece, which came to us from a Munich collection, to the 1840s.

Estimate:$888.38

View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewelry & Gems