Orpheus Charming Animals Agate Cameo Ring - Italt 16th Century.

An agate cameo ring of Orpheus charming the animals.
Italian, 16th century.
Cameo measures 2.2 x 1.8cm.

The high carat gold ring is a size P UK / 7 3/4 US.

In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a singer and poet. He was given a lyre by Apollo, the god of music, and was taught to play by the Muses. His songs, melodiously accompanied by his instrument, were so beautiful that they pacified wild animals, calmed the seas, and animated trees and rocks.

The last two images represent similar cameos of the same date and origin;

Image 9; ’Kostbare Steine: Die Gemmensammlung des Kurfürsten Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz’, Page 116, catalogue no. 102.

Image 10; ‘Le gemme dei Medici al Museo degli Argenti. Cammei e Intagli nelle collezioni di Palazzo Pitti’, Page 170, catalogue no. 44.