Large Rare Antique Italian Carved Coral Brooch of the Goddess Hebe

Large Rare Antique Italian Carved Coral Brooch of the Goddess HebeA superb and rare grand tour jewel, which takes the form of a classical scene showing the goddess Hebe, her father Zeus and Cupid. Hebe is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and is known for her eternal youth and ability to restore youth to mortals. She is the youngest of the gods and revered for keeping them eternally young. As the cupbearer of the gods, she is often depicted offering a cup to her father, who appears as an eagle, representing their

A superb and rare grand tour jewel, which takes the form of a classical scene showing the goddess Hebe, her father Zeus and Cupid. Hebe is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and is known for her eternal youth and ability to restore youth to mortals. She is the youngest of the gods and revered for keeping them eternally young. As the cupbearer of the gods, she is often depicted offering a cup to her father, who appears as an eagle, representing their connection to immortality. In Roman mythology, she is equivalent to Juventas. Cupid highlights the youth. 

 It has two conical pendants and a hand suspended from the brooch, with coral swags between. The hand is a Mano Figa and the snake bracelet symbolises eternity. The Figa symbol, with a history dating back 8,000 years, depicts a hand with the thumb situated between the index and middle fingers. The term "Mano Figa" originates from Etruscan Italy, where "Mano" means hand and "Figa" refers to the slang term for a woman's private parts. These objects were traditionally worn as an incantation to the goddesses, and a plea for fertility, virility, and prosperity (with close connections to Bacchus). These symbols were typically crafted from sacred materials such as silver or blood coral, representing Luna, the goddess of the moon, and Venus, the goddess of the sea, respectively.

Victorians had a strong affinity for coral adornments, often dressing their children in them for symbolic protection. Coral was also utilised in the creation of baby rattles and teething objects, with much of the material originating from Italy's Naples region. The Italian artisans were renowned for their mastery in carving coral into intricate designs.

 It is a stunning and an incredibly rare jewel, and would make a lovely addition to any fine antique jewellery collection.