⫸DESCRIPTION & CONDITION⫷

This is such a beautiful vintage brooch! It depicts a well-known mythological scene of Hebe...the Greek goddess of youth...feeding the eagle.  She was a favorite cameo subject in antiquity as she represented one of the valued feminine qualities, that of the dutiful daughter. Daughter of Zeus & Hera, Hebe was known as the Cupbearer to the gods & goddesses, serving them nectar & ambrosia on Mt. Olympus. Often she is depicted as she is here, with an eagle, representing Zeus (this scene sometimes get misattributed as Leda and the Swan). Hebe can always be identified by her jug and/or patera, alone or serving someone . Later, Hebe married the hero Heracles (Hercules) after he was transported to Mt. Olympus upon his death, and beautiful young Ganymede then took over as Cupbearer. 

This brooch is substantial (weight is below in the "measurements" section) and ornate, with Hebe and the eagle rendered in repousse sterling silver set within a decorative cutout frame. It is only marked "sterling" on the backside (and acid testing confirms this as sterling), but the style reminds me very much of Italian silversmith pieces by Cini or Peruzzi, for example. 

⫸MEASUREMENTS⫷

This is a large brooch, measuring approximately 2 inches by 1 7/8 inches.

It weighs 28.49 grams.

Items that are considered "antique" are over 100 years old; items considered "vintage" are over 20 years old. All will rarely be perfect as these jewelry pieces have been worn & loved and will show evidence of that. I always try to note any flaws or issues, but I am human and may miss something....it is never my intention to hide the condition of an item as I do not want anyone to be disappointed with their purchase. People may have different ideas of what they consider acceptable with the condition of their antique or vintage pieces. It is a buyer's responsibility to thoroughly read descriptions, look at pictures & and ask any questions BEFORE purchasing an item. I am always happy to provide additional pictures/info.

Orders over $350 will require a signature on delivery.