18th C. Neoclassical Glass Intaglio w/ Hoplites

**Originally Listed At $250**

Northern Europe, Neoclassical Period, ca. 18th century CE. A lovely and large glass intaglio surrounded by a golden border and wrapped with a black leather band. Depicted on the front face are a pair of hoplites engaged in combat, armed with long spears and shields known as hoplons. Both hoplites don Corinthian helmets and assume dramatic, action-packed poses. In addition, the artist, who was clearly well versed in the art of intaglios and subjects from antiquity, created a groundline to represent the terrain. Size: 1.75" W x 1.5" H (4.4 cm x 3.8 cm)

The hoplites were heavily armed foot soldiers of ancient Greece. Athens mandated that all 18 to 20 year olds participate in military service; however, during times of war, all male citizens through the age of 60 could be asked to serve. Hoplites carried a large, round, bronze-faced shield known as a hoplon in one hand and, in the other, an eight-foot-long wooden spear with a leaf-shaped iron head and a bronze butt spike. The butt spike was known as a sauroter, a "lizard killer", and, if the spear was broken, could be used as a weapon on the remaining end. It could also be used to stand the spear in soft ground or as a digging tool.

Provenance: ex-private Hartley Brown collection, New York, USA, acquired in 2000's

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#134770
Condition Report: Age wear with scuffs, scratches, and a small stable pressure hairline fissure over the right hoplite's shield. An impressive intaglio that could be made into a lovely piece of jewelry or simply appreciated as is.