Engraved Gems; Their History & an Elaborate View of Their Place in Art, in Which Is Embodied the Author's Former Treatise, with Extensive Revisions and Additions Reminiscences of Travels in the Pursuit and Acquisition of Engraved Gems to (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ...impelled to enter, and, searching among the debris, was unexpectedly rewarded, for deep in one of the cauldrons, that would have boiled had filth and rust been fire, T found a mass so encrusted with dirt and the tartar of ages that it was difficult to decide for a moment whether it was some object carved in bone or really a stone such as I was seeking; but, seeing that it was engraved in relief, and finding the price moderate, I carned it away, and thus became possessed of a treasure, for after having it scoured it proved to be an exquisitely beautiful cameo of Jupiter Serapis. It has since been admired by many connoisseurs: you have only to turn to No. 265, Case P, in my collection, and also enjoy its beauty. T may add that the late M. L. Hirsch, the well-known Paris expert in all engraved work, was especially impressed with the beauty of this cameo. This is another instance and proof of the fact that many interesting and beautiful specimens of antique gem-engraving have been misplaced, lost, or overlooked, and we may still hope to add to our possessions, not only from such uncomely sources as the old Morgiana jar, but also from the ruins of many forgotten cities which shall yet yield us their valuable quotas. The museums of America may well make ready places to receive and store the treasures that assuredly will come from the dust of bygone centuries. ABRAXAS IK CONTRAST WITH CHRISTIANITY. How touchingly simple were the representations of Christ as they were given to the early believers during the first three centuries after his manifestation and sojourn on earth Men's hearts were turned to him through gem-pictures of the mangercradled child Redeemer and of the sovereign Mediator on the cross--revered as the Son of God in his condescension, as...