Girolamo Odam

Purchased from G. Norman, circa 1958

Newcastle, 1964, no. 65

Surface dirt, especially around edges. Crease repaired bottom left corner. Two small tears bottom edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The gem at the centre of this drawing was engraved for Baron Philippe von Stosch's highly important and influential book Gemmae Antiquae Caelatae, published in 1724.  It seems likely that von Stosch sold, or gave, the original sardonyx gem to Henry Davenant, the British Envoy Extraordinary in Florence, who came to Rome in 1722 to discuss diplomatic matters with von Stosch.  The original was subsequently in the Devonshire Collection, Chatsworth, while von Stosch seems to have kept a glass paste copy for himself.

A similar drawing by Odam, of a famous gem known as the Strozzi Medusa, is in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.¹  Odam's engraving after that drawing is known in two states, dated 1715 and 1717.  It is probable that the present drawing was also intended for a print, although the setting in which the gem is placed is far more elaborate than any of the illustrations in von Stosch's book.

Baron von Stosch (1691-1757) was a colourful character.  He settled in Rome where he was passionately involved with a group of antiquarians, collecting and dealing in art and antiquities, especially engraved gems.  Eventually, having been exposed as a spy in the employ of the British government, hired to inform on the Stuart court in exile, he had to flee Rome and moved to Florence where, as well as continuing his antiquarian interests, he pursued eccentric spiritual and philosophical enquiries.  His publication on gems, for which this drawing is a study, was extremely influential in the formation of Neoclassical taste throughout Europe and England.  His own collection of gems is mainly in the Berlin museum, his large collection of drawings by Borromini is in Vienna, and his library was bought for the Vatican.

1.  Bequest of Anthony Clark, inv. no. 1978-70-373;  A Scholar Collects, exhib. cat., Phildelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1980, no. 11, reproduced