This Intaglio is Set in a Silver Ring Possibly Made in the 16th Centur
According to legend Omphale was a queen of Lydia, and daughter of King Iardanus in whose palace Heracles was a slave. After she acquired sole possession of the kingdom she challenged Heracles to clear her realm of robbers and monsters. He fought with the Cercopes and with Syleus, and waged war on the Itones who were ravaging Omphale's lands. Impressed by such exploits, and by Herac1es's parentage, she set him free and married him. Some ancient authors tell that afterwards Omphale adopted the hero’s lion-skin and began brandishing a sword; while Herac1es (in a nice reversal of roles), wore a Lydian robe and spun linen thread at the queen’s feet. This beautiful intaglio shows Omphale striding forwards, holding what appears to be a bunch of grapes. Flowing from her back is either a light scarf, or perhaps the famous lion’s skin. This beautiful ring combines the charms of delightful myths with highly skilled engraving in a setting that evokes the Renaissance. Such a ring will surely be worn by someone who appreciates the high culture from which it comes.