ATHENA'S OWL Hand-Painted Silver Pendant on Lapis Lazuli
This pendant showcases a hand-painted image of Athena's Owl, meticulously painted by the artist Tommaso Rossi on Lapis Lazuli. The artwork is set in solid silver, blending historical symbolism with fine jewelry. Lapis Lazuli's deep blue tones add a striking backdrop, highlighting the intricate detailing of the owl, a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in Greek mythology. The pendant combines ancient mythology with sophisticated craftsmanship, offering both a unique and meaningful piece of wearable art.
The owl, a quintessential nocturnal bird, was the favorite animal of the Greek Goddess Athena and a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. Its eyes and beak were thought to resemble the letter φ (phi), representing philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge. In mythology, the owl’s sharp gaze symbolized its ability to penetrate darkness and illuminate the light of understanding.
Tommaso Rossi is the talented young artist who creates these exquisite miniature portraits and mythical stories. Working on both marble and hard stone discs, he depicts historical and mythical figures from ancient Greece and Rome, using paints such as enamels, titanium acrylics and graphite. In his amazingly detailed technique, Tommaso employs either an echidna quill or a rose thorn instead of a brush to define the figures on these miniature masterpieces.
Born in Rome in 2000, Tommaso first attended art school on Via Ripetta and then, recognized for his superior talent, he entered the prestigious “Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia”. This is an elite art school in Rome where only a small number of the finest young artists are carefully chosen for further training in the arts of engraving and plastic modeling.
For more than a century, exceptional artists have acquired additional skills through the use of ancient techniques, innovative methodologies, design and craftsmanship. Importance is also given to art history and conservation. Classical traditions are reimagined, merging Antiquity with present day culture.
