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Oval gem with head of Eros Centocelle
Maker: Nathaniel Marchant (English, 1739–1816)
English
18th century
about A.D. 1781
Medium/Technique
Chalcedony
Dimensions
Length: 20 mm (13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.116
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionSmoky chalcedony oval intaglio with the head of the Eros Centocelle in profile to right, mounted in a gold ring. Signed at left “MARCHANT F”.
Provenance1781, sold by engraver Nathaniel Marchant for 12 gns. to George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough (b. 1739 – d. 1817), Blenheim Palace, from engraver Nathaniel Marchant; by descent within the family to John Winston Spencer-Churchill (b. 1822 – d. 1883), 7th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace [see note 1]; June 28-July 1, 1875, Marlborough Gems sale, Christie, Manson and Woods, London, lot 582, collection sold en bloc for £35,000 to David Bromilow (b. 1809 – d. 1898), Bitteswell Hall, Lutterworth; 1898, by descent to his daughter, Julia Harriet Mary Jary; June 26, 1899, sold by Mrs. Jary, Marlborough Gems sale, Christie, Manson and Woods, London, lot 582, sold for £17 to W. T. Ready for Edward Perry Warren (b. 1860 – d. 1928), London; 1899, sold by Edward Perry Warren to the MFA for $16,502 [see note 2]. (Accession Date: January 1, 1899)
NOTES:
[1] On the history of the Marlborough Gem collection, see the introduction to the 1875 Christie's auction catalogue and John Boardman, The Marlborough Gems (2010).
[2] This is the total price for MFA 99.101-99.119.
NOTES:
[1] On the history of the Marlborough Gem collection, see the introduction to the 1875 Christie's auction catalogue and John Boardman, The Marlborough Gems (2010).
[2] This is the total price for MFA 99.101-99.119.