Lot 90
An Archaeological Revival fringe necklace, circa 1870
Estimate: £2,000 - £3,000
Auction: 23 October 2024 From 14:00 BST
Description
The foxtail link chain threaded with polished edged beads, realistically modelled duos of oak leaves and acorns with granulation detail, the central pendant of a baby Hercules grasping a snake, later clasp, length 40.5cm
Footnote
This necklace is inspired by an ancient Etruscan necklace found in Ruvo di Puglia, Italy in the early 19th century and exhibited at the Archaeological Museum (previously known as the Museo Borbonico) in Naples. The original necklace was one of the most famous jewels in the collection and was widely copied by contemporary jewellers. A 19th century version of that Etruscan necklace is part of the permanent collection at the British Museum, London.
For further reading see Charlotte Gere & Judy Rudoe Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria, London, 2010, page 429.
