Georges Tonnellier (1858–1937), French, circa 1900 | Intaglio with the Head of Medusa
Lot Closed
December 16, 02:24 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Georges Tonnellier (1858–1937),
French, circa 1900
Intaglio with the Head of Medusa
signed: TONNELLIER
chrysoprase, in a diamond set gold ring mount
the ring with French marks: ‘PS 2’ and with the eagle stamp
cameo: 19.5mm., 0.77in.
mount: 22.9mm., 0.9in.
ring size: O
Georges Tonnelier (also spelled Tonnellier) was a sculptor as well as gem engraver. A student of Gauthier and Millet, his work featured frequently at the Paris Salon. He is well known for his statuettes of female nudes carved in hardstone.
The present cameo's striking evocation of the gorgon Medusa epitomises the fin-de-siècle obsession with this apotropaic image.