Houston Museum of Natural History Presents 'Gems of the Medici' Exhibition

'Apollos, Marsyas and Olympus,' Carnelian Intaglio
Image copyright Naples, National Archaeological Museum. The 'Seal of Nero' is an intricately carved intaglio made from a dark piece of reddish-orange carnelian. More formally known as Apollos, Marsyas and Olympus, this ancient gem will remain on display in the Houston Museum of Natural Science's 'Gems of the Medici' exhibit until the end of March. This detailed gemstone carving is described as one of Lorenzo de' Medici's six most highly valued gems, and has served as inspiration for more works of art during the Renaissance than any other treasure of antiquity. Made in Rome by a gem cutter called Dioskourides at some point during Augustus' reign (27BC - 14AD), the seal features a dramatic scene in the mythological tale of the musical challenge between the god Apollos and the satyr Marsyas. Apollos stands over the bound figure of Marsyas, as Olympus kneels in supplication on behalf of his defeated teacher. As described in the digital archive of the Palazzo Medici Ricardo, "the supple and emphatic figure of Apollo is contrasted with the tense, still body of Marsyas. The dynamism of the tension is further fueled by the imploration of Olympus." Having passed through many powerful hands since its creation, the carnelian wonder was last purchased by Lorenzo the Magnificent from a merchant in Venice at some point in September of 1487.  Prior to Lorenzo's acquisition, the seal had been mounted in an ornate gold setting featuring a handle in the form of a dragon among ivy leaves. The goldsmith, one Lorenzo Ghiberti, had also engraved the name and titles of Nero into the setting. Paid for in advance, 'il sigillo neroniano' was delivered along with two other cameos which Nero would have paid 300 ducats for if he retained them. As was his custom, Lorenzo inscribed his mark of ownership into the upper left corner of the red gem: LAUMED. The gold setting crafted by Ghiberti was lost by the 18th century, and it appears that the intaglio was at one time broken. However, as is true for many pieces of antiquity with such a lauded history, the value of the engraving is in no way diminished by these alterations. Set among a "visually stunning" display of paintings, sculptures, and countless more engravings from the grand collection of the 'Lords of Florence', the 'Seal of Nero' can be seen until March 31, 2013, at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and children. For more information, click over to the museum's website: http://www.hmns.org/.