He Who Envies Is The Lesser Intaglio
Georgian citrine armorial crest intaglio with deep facted back
Features an armorial sheild containing three flaming cannonballs, topped with a dragon’s torso in profile, pierced with a broken spear
Inscribed with the Latin motto Qui invidet minor est (He who envies is the lesser)
Very good antique condition with light surface wear – small chip to the bottom left corner, which will largely be concealed in setting
Why we love it
An exceptionally large, fire-breathing, cannonball blazing intaglio, which caused a undulation of excitment in BMHQ.
At first glance the imagery suggests a fierce, unassailable warrior. Someone who’s on fire, quite literally, in the battle department. A slayer of dragons no less.
But before we get over excited about the skirmishing prowess, let’s consider the motto: He who envies is the lesser.
This is an intaglio to remind you of the dangers of envy, that gut churning, happiness robbing emotion. Learn to fully inhabit your own skin; to love yourself and what you have. Comparing yourself to others is the way of disgruntlement and unnecessary pain.
If you are wholly and authentically yourself, envy will have no place in your life. Even life’s flaming cannonballs will bounce off you. Though you may want to duck just in case!
Additional information
| Dimensions | 2.7 × 2.3 × 0.8 mm |
|---|---|
| Era | Georgian |
| Seal colour | Yellow |
| Seal material | Citrine |
| Seal shape | Cushioned rectangle with deep facet back |
| Dimensions | 22.3 x 26.5 x 8.2mm |
| Condition | Very good antique condition with light surface wear |
What would Emma do?
This piece is perfect to become an intaglio pendant or custom signet ring. We’ve priced this piece as our Window Pendant however if you’d like to set it as a Gemstone Bezel Pendant, please do reach out to us and we will tailor a quote for you.
Why not visit our Flown Away Home section for design inspo, or check out our full collection of wax seals.
