Lot 193
A 19TH CENTURY KING CHARLEMAGNE INTAGLIO SEAL
Auction: 16 September 2025 from 10:00 BST
Description
The profusely chased silver mount, to a carnelian matrix engraved with a depiction of the 8th century King of the Lombards; together with another fob seal of open scroll design, the oval carnelian matrix with an intaglio of a Classical figure possibly, Hippocrates (2)
Dimensions
3cm overall, 2.1cm x 1.6cm, 2.5cm overall, 1.5cm x 1.3cm (matrix)
Footnote
King Charlemagne (747 - 814) also known as ‘Charles the Great’ played a substantial role in the modern formation of Europe. He became King of the Franks in 768, King of the Lombards in 774, and the first Holy Roman Emperor in 800. Upon his death in 814, his empire was divided among his heirs, eventually leading to the formation of France and Germany.
Charlemagne emphasised education and legal reform, establishing schools and standardising laws. This was largely important within the Carolingian renaissance, facilitating an intellectual and cultural golden age in which classical learning, arts and education vastly enhanced intellect and culture amongst the European population.