An 18th century intaglio, dionysiac scene

18th century
Translucent chalcedony
Height of the gold seal : 3 cm
The intaglio : 2,6 x 2,2 cm

An 18th century gold stamp set in translucent chalcedony intaglio mounted on a foil. The scene depicts 9 characters are installed under a velum stretched between two trees. Bacchants carry baskets filled with grapes, while two satyrs play wind instruments. The drawing of our intaglio is a free interpretation of the so-called «seal of Michelangelo» intaglio (cf. illustration n° 4, from Mariette, Pierre-Jean. Traité des Pierres gravées. Paris : 1750, t.II, n°XLVII) presenting the preparations for a Dionysian ceremony or a scene of harvest.