An impressive late 18th / early 19th century copy of the seal of Nero

An impressive late 18th / early 19th century copy of the seal of Nero, the carnelian intaglio depicting a dramatic scene of the God Apollus holding a harp and ignoring the pleas of the kneeling Olympus, observing the flailed satyr Marcius punished for his audacity of winning their musical competition, 4.5cm high, set in a gilt metal pendant

The original was carved in Rome by the gem cutter Dioskourides during Augustus' reign (27 BC - 14 AD), and was one of Lorenzo de Medici's most highly valued gems. It served as inspiration for many works of art during the Renaissance.