ATHENA SPINNING, or possibly her rival, ARACHNE

attributed to Luigi Saulini (1819-1883)

Exceptionally detailed low relief figure of a woman spinning yarn, holding a distaff between her raised arm and lower arm

These are the more rare domestic attributes -- as protector of weaving and crafts -- of Athena who is more commonly depicted as a helmeted 'warrior goddess'.

When outdone by the skilled mortal Arachne. the goddess turned her rival into a spider

A very fine hardstone cameo, by or in the manner of LUIGI SAULINI (1819 - 1883) The exceptionally high quality of this tour-de-force gem carving -- from a single piece of black & white banded stone -- suggests that it is his work. (Similar examples exist in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.)
Of Note : subtle detail of hands, feet & thread, anatomical detail beneath her diaphanous robe

Oval: 7/8 x 11/16" (21 x 18mm)
Condition : Fine
Circa : 1840-1860
# 27031........................................................................................................................SOLD