Commercial demand stimulates creativity; and
this happy combination of circumstances
certainly found expression in the eighteenth
century between engravers and lovers of
antiquities. This was a time when the nobility
and wealthy classes acquired a passion for all
things ancient, perhaps most particularly those
objects which could be worn. Artisans were
encouraged to learn techniques of engraving
used by ancient masters, and even to excel them.
This very lovely cameo shows the fruits of a
master carver's talent. Here we see the sublime
head of Arethusa, who was a Naiad or water
Nymph. The legend about her says she was a
follower of the goddess Artemis, and like her,
she scorned love. Having one day been spied by
the river god Alpheus, he immediately fell in love
with her. She fled his advances and sped away to
Syracuse, and then the isle of Ortygia, with the
river god in hot pursuit. Unable to escape him,
she was changed into a spring. Grieve stricken,
Alpheus mingled his waters with hers enabling
them to be together forever. Another version
says he was prevented from doing so by the
earth opening up to protect Arethusa. In either
case, this beautiful Nymph was a favorite of
ancient Syracuse and appears on their coinage
with dolphins swimming around her head. The
person who wears this ring has the courage to be
different, and enjoys making a bold statement
impressive to gods and goddesses alike.
- (FJ.6345)
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