Victorian 18 kt. Gold Pocket Watch Key/Pendant featuring Leda and the swan
This exquisite Victorian pocket watch key/pendant is crafted from 18k yellow gold and adorned with a meticulously carved coral design. The pendant showcases neoclassical scenes on both sides, each depicting a captivating narrative. On one side, a cherub takes on the role of a charioteer, standing confidently in a chariot pulled by two galloping horses. On the reverse, the intricate carving portrays the mythological tale of Leda confronting Zeus, who has transformed into a swan. The attention to detail and artistry in this piece make it a remarkable example of Victorian craftsmanship, showcasing both elegance and storytelling prowess.
Made in England Circa 1880's.
X - Ray been tested positive for 18kt. gold.
Dimensions -
Size :Length x width x depth: 5.3 x 3.2 x 1 cm
Weight: 14.00 grams total
Condition : Key is pre-owned has some minor wear from general usage, gold rim has a minor dent mark, coral carving has a micro chip, otherwise good condition overall.
The history about Leda and the Swan
Leda and the Swan is a story and subject in art from Greek mythology in which the god Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces or rapes Leda. According to later Greek mythology, Leda bore Helen and Polydeuces, children of Zeus, while at the same time bearing Castor and Clytemnestra, children of her husband Tyndareus, the King of Sparta. According to many versions of the story, Zeus took the form of a swan and raped Leda on the same night she slept with her husband King Tyndareus. In some versions, she laid two eggs from which the children hatched.
In other versions, Helen is the daughter of Nemesis, the goddess who personified the disaster that awaited those suffering from the pride of Hubris.
Especially in art, the degree of consent by Leda to the relationship seems to vary considerably; there are numerous depictions, for example by Leonardo da Vinci, that show Leda affectionately embracing the swan, as their children play.
Thanks to the literary renditions of Ovid and Fulgentius it was a well-known myth through the Middle Ages, but emerged more prominently as a classicizing theme, with erotic overtones, in the Italian Renaissance.
ITEM LOCATION : United Kingdom
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INCLUDED: Complimentary Gift Wrap Packaging & Certificate of Evaluation.
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