An Italian Early 19th Century carnelian intaglio ring

An Italian Early 19th Century carnelian intaglio ring

Description

An Italian Early 19th Century carnelian intaglio ring, the oval shaped carnelian engraved with the figures of Eros and Psyche, the God of carnal love and the Goddess of the Soul, Roman-set in a gold swivel mount, with a reeded shank, bearing Italian gold marks for 18ct gold, Rome, circa 1815, measuring 2.3 x 1.9cm, finger size R, gross weight 3.1 grams.

The story of Psyche and Cupid is one of the few Greek myths that have a happy ending. Psyche was a mortal princess, who was so beautiful that the people began worshipping her instead of the Goddess Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Enraged by this, Aphrodite ordered her son, Eros, the God of Carnal Love and leader of the Erotes, to make Psyche fall in love with the vilest creature he could find. However, when Eros snuck into Psyche’s chambers in the dead of night, he accidentally scratched himself with one of his own arrows and fell in love with Psyche himself. In a panic, he fled but vowed to win over Psyche.
Psyche, despite being proclaimed as one of the fairest maidens in Ancient Greece, was unmarried, which deeply disturbed her parents, the King and Queen. Despite having many suitors, Psyche did not take a husband; she could see that the suitors were not really in love with her, and she did not want blind, worshipful adoration. Desperate, her parents consulted with an oracle, who instructed them to leave Psyche on a mountain top to be taken by a monster. Resigned to her fate, Psyche sat on the mountain side, awaiting her doom. To her great surprise, she found herself being carried away by the wind God Zephyrus, and taken to a magnificent palace, where she enjoyed all the creature comforts a young woman could want. The palace of course belonged to Eros, who visited Psyche at night. Eros instructed her not to look at him, for he feared she would only love him for his divine status. However, overcome by curiosity, Psyche found herself lighting a torch and looked at Eros whilst he slept. Eros awoke, and fled in anger, hurt by her betrayal and returned Psyche to the mountain side.
News of this reached Aphrodite, who hunted down Psyche and imprisoned her. Aphrodite set Psyche a series of challenges which she had to pass or face divine punishment. Psyche passed every task set to her by Aphrodite; much to the Goddess’ fury. Eros discovered what his mother had done and immediately came to Psyche’s aid. Touched by her endurance and determination, he forgave her. Eros presented Psyche to Zeus and the other Olympian Gods, who all agreed that Psyche’s fortitude and resolve had earned her divine status, and she became the Goddess of the Soul. Psyche and Eros were married, and their figures and story have been depicted in art throughout history.
Psyche is often depicted with the wings of a butterfly, symbolic of her transformation from mortal to Goddess. This ring shows both the winged Eros and Psyche in a loving embrace. This would be perfect gift for any loved one, delicately carved and beautifully mounted.