MASTERPIECE 2 1/2" Cobalt Blue Tassie Intaglio Medallion of Medusa, c.1785!

Dating to c.1780-1790, this magnificent Tassie medallion comes directly from my private collection of Georgian-era cabinet pieces, and I am pleased to present it for the first time for the consideration of my Ruby Lane clientele! Measuring 2 1/2" in diameter x 3/8" thick, this glass intaglio Masterpiece is attributed to James Tassie, the finest gem engraver and modeler of the 18th century! Only Tassie could have produced such a tour de force as this piece; famed for his great care and accuracy in producing ancient engraved jewels in colored pastes, the beauty and artistic character of Tassie's productions garnered such patrons as the Empress of Russia.

The depth, detail, and workmanship of this example truly elevates this to Masterpiece status! Please note that Tassie's intaglios were rarely signed; I have collected the smaller Tassie gems which were set into Georgian-era jewelry for years, and one may identify them by catalogue numbers, published examples, and careful comparison to other 18th-century molded intaglios of comparable quality. Finding a true Tassie is like finding an 18th-century Josiah Wedgwood cameo plaque - the quality speaks for itself!

This fabulous medallion is crafted in cobalt blue glass, and depicts the deepest and most detailed glass model of Medusa I have ever seen! This image of Medusa is taken from a Roman bronze original dating to the first century AD. The gorgon stares directly out at the viewer with her drilled and lidded eyes, and a fierce expression which would have turned anyone to stone, yet there is a beauty here that holds your gaze! Every lock of her snaky hair is exquisitely rendered, and there is a three-dimensionality to this medallion which is characteristic of Tassie's best work. I found it curious that when I photographed the pictures at a left and right angle, the eyes of the Medusa seemed to follow me! (See for yourself - am I wrong here?) JUST AMAZING!

Weighing in at 58.16 grams, this medallion is in 100% all-original condition. It really deserves to be properly framed and displayed, and will add style as well as history to any decor - just LOOK at how glorious it is with the light shining through! The glass is free of chips, cracks, or molding flaws, and the edge of the intaglio is beveled. The medallion is wrapped twice with its original gilt-lined black cardboard frame. The only sign of wear (and I mean only) is a thin 1/4" wide peel to the surface of the cardboard at the 12:00 position. Otherwise, this medallion as as fresh as it was when it left the workshop over 220 years ago!

If you collect the ULTIMATE in Georgian or glyptic arts, this Medusa intaglio medallion belongs in your collection! It would also make a stellar holiday gift for any lady or gentleman fascinated with Tassie's work or Roman art! I have priced this item at exactly what I paid for it several years ago, and as such, my price is firm. It has significantly increased in value since then, so someone is still going to get a bargain as well as a rare treasure! Do not miss this museum-worthy work of art; USPS Priority shipping is FREE!

Item ID: 2226