A mid 19th century carnelian intaglio depicting a copy of the 'Cachet de Michelange'...

A mid 19th century carnelian intaglio depicting a copy of the 'Cachet de Michelange' (Michelangelo's seal) within gold border, 5.3cm wide

This detailed intaglio depicts two cupids holding a veil over a Bacchanalian scene. Below the base line is a fisherman, possibly a rebus for the carver. Many suggested allegories have been proposed including the birth and education of Alexander the Great, and also that of Bacchus. The original was thought to have been carved by Pier Maria da Pescia, after Michehlangelo. Many copies have been made including examples by James Tassie (1735 - 1799).