AN ITALIAN AMETHYST INSET 18K GOLD CANE Made for Prince Stanislaw Poniatowski, Rome, circa 1811-1815 The handle with the terminal inset with a large amethyst carved with three fighting Ancient Greek soldiers and inscribed in Greek, the grip inset with amethyst cabochons and with Ancient Greek imagery, inscribed in Latin S.A.S.Poniatowski Princeps. Roma. MDCCCXI and the first line of The Illiad in Greek, Μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος(Sing, Goddess, of the rage of Peleus' son Achilles), on a Malacca shaft with a metal ferrule. height overall 35 3/4in (90.8cm); height of handle 2 3/4in (7cm); width 1 1/2in (3.7cm) Footnotes: This opulent cane is from the renowned collection of Prince Stanisław Poniatowski (1754-1833), nephew of the last king of Poland, Stanislaw II, who reigned during the partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1791. That year, Prince Poniatowski moved to Italy, and in Rome he commissioned approximately 2,500 intaglio gemstones, most with Classical themes. The gorgeous amethyst at the terminal is carved with a depiction of Achilles facing Hector after the death of Patroclus. Provenance Il Segno de Tempo, Milan; Collection of Eddi Van Auken, California, purchased from the above April 2009. Literature Van Auken, Eddi. Masterpieces: The Eddi Van Auken Collection of Antiques Walking Sticks and Canes. Silvia Editrice, Milan, 2025, pages 74-75, number 43. (illustrated) Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. Saleroom notices: Please note the description should read: 'Purportedly made for Prince Stanislaw Poniatowski, Rome, dated 1811.' For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing

Saleroom Notice:
Please note the description should read: "Purportedly made for Prince Stanislaw Poniatowski, Rome, dated 1811."