Victorian Gold Cuff Bracelet with an Ancient Aphrodite Intaglio. Etruria, 2nd century BC

Etruria, 2nd century BC; Victorian bracelet, 19th century.

An ancient Etruscan intaglio in banded agate depicting Aphrodite standing, partially nude, with drapery gathered around her hips and thighs.

The intaglio is accompanied by a gold impression reproducing the engraved figure in relief, presenting the image in both its negative and positive forms.

The stone and its impression were incorporated into an articulated Victorian gold cuff bracelet after 2011, bringing together ancient glyptic art and 19th-century goldsmithing.

The intaglio is attributed to Etruria, 2nd century BC, although an earlier publication proposed a broader dating between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC.

Provenance

Old Bavarian private collection, formed before the Second World War.

Thence by descent.

Frank Sternberg A.G., Zurich, Auction XXXV, 28–29 October 2000, lot 1110.

Swiss private collection, acquired following the sale.

Bonhams, London, Antiquities, 5 October 2011, lot 238.

Private collection.

The provenance and auction references relate to the ancient intaglio prior to its incorporation into the bracelet.

Literature

Frank Sternberg A.G., Auktion XXXV, Zurich, 28–29 October 2000, lot 1110, illustrated pl. G.

Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 5 October 2011, lot 238.

 

Details

Materials: Gold and banded agate.

Intaglio length: 20 mm.

Internal diameter: 6.5 cm.

Bracelet width: 2 cm.

Total weight: 26.02 g.

Construction: Articulated, hinged cuff.

Hallmarks: Guarantee marks applied in 2026.

Condition: Good overall condition, with minor surface wear to the gold.