Gem

Sommerville: A Curious old Turquoise. Achilles parting with Deidameia and his son Neoptolemus or Phyrrhus. Greek and Roman Cameos, Case T.

Vermeule: Turquoise? Cameo. (Unmounted). Draped bust of Domitia, wife of Domitian, to right. The features are copied from coin portaits. 19th century.

Deidameia was one of the daughters of Lycomedes, King of the Dolopians. This turquoise has lost its original bright blue color from age, as is the case with all in this collection. The arms and legs are cut entirely in relief. A straw can be passed under in several places. When the Grecian kings had decided to wage war against Troy, Agamemnon thought it important that Ulysses and Achilles should take part in the expedition. It was suspected that Achilles was concealed among the daughters of Lycomedes. Paiameded was commissioned to seek him out. Ulysses suggested a strategem. He took a variety of ornaments for women and a shield and sword, and repaired as a peddler to thepalace of the king of Scyros. A rare jewel attracted the attention of all the women except one, who examined closely the sword and shield. Suddenly, Palamedes and his companions clashed their arms together, feigning an attack on the palace. All the women ran away, but Achilles, who had been attracted by the sword and shield, threw aside his disguise, seized the arms, and assumed an attitude of defence. Having thus been discovered, Achilles, who longed for glory, soon yielded to their entreaties and joined the princes. The came seems to represent Ulysses dragging away Achilles, who takes leave of his son Neoptolemus (who ten years later followed him to Troy) and of his beloved Deidameia, who blesses him. The figures behind Deidameia seem to be her attendants.