Western Europe, probably England or France, Neoclassical Period, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful tie pin of an elegant, slender form. The gold body features an openwork ovoid bezel with peaked filigree tabs as well as a thin pin that arches above the bezel before curving back down and terminating in a sharp point. Within the bezel pins rests a hand-carved stone intaglio of ovoid form featuring the Greek deities Eros (Roman Cupid) and Psyche (Roman Anima) who stand arm in arm. Given the joy and openness of their union, perhaps this intaglio was meant to commemorate the young couple's joyous wedding day on Mount Olympus. Size (pin): 0.59" W x 3.4" H (1.5 cm x 8.6 cm); (intaglio): 0.49" W x 0.64" H (1.2 cm x 1.6 cm); metal quality: 48.15% gold, 26% copper, 25% silver; weight: 5.3 grams

In classical mythology, Psyche's beauty, inspired Eros' love and Aphrodite's jealousy. The 2nd century Latin writer Apuleius, in his Metamorphoses, told of a jealous Aphrodite (Venus) who commanded her son Eros (Cupid), the god of love, to punish the young lady. Only the plan back-fired, and Eros upon seeing the beautiful mortal, fell in love with her instantly. Eros hid Psyche away in the mountains and visited her each night on the condition that she not know his identity. Following many trials and tribulations, the young couple would eventually marry on Mount Olympus and Psyche having won Aphrodite's favor would be granted immortality by the gods. This classic myth was simultaneously a love story and an allegory. As Psyche is the Greek word for "soul", the union of Psyche and Eros signified the union of the human soul and divine love.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#169464

Wearable as shown. Minor abrasions to pin, bezel, and intaglio, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina to gold pin and bezel.