Baroque Fob Seal

Baroque high carat gold fob seal with a cornelian intaglio depicting a Muse offering a sacrifice to the Gods. c.1680.

The voluptuous half-draped nude figure drops a wreath and stokes a brazier to burn the leaves.The laurel or myrtle wreath represent fame, honour and artistic triumph.By casting the wreath into the fire, the Muse signifies that the creator's glory being offered up to eternity. The muse is likely either Melpomene  the Muse of Tragedy or Clio the Muse of History.

I have searched through the archives and though there are many c17th similar compositions I have not found one with such smoke arising from the brazier.

An early Grand Tour trinket likely purchased by a wealthy aristocrat as a symbol of his or her artistic taste. 

Some wear commensurate with age.

Intaglio 1.5 by 1.2 cms.

Fob 2.3cms in length.