A 19TH CENTURY ETRUSCAN REVIVAL GEM-SET AND GOLD... Lot 19

A 19TH CENTURY ETRUSCAN REVIVAL GEM-SET AND GOLD INTAGLIO BROOCH, CIRCA 1860The central rectangular carnelian intaglio depicting a winged figure with a serpent, probably Hygieia, within a pierced and filigree work mount of pointed arrow form, highlighted with square-cut rubies and emeralds, mounted in gold, length 6.5cmIn Greek mythology, Hygieia was the goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene. Daughter of Asclepius, god of medicine, and Epione, goddess of healing, Hygieia is associated with health and the prevention of sickness. The word hygiene is derived from her name.