comprising of a yellow gold roundel centred with a chased gold owl within a circular reserve, surrounded with the motto “TU NIHIL INVITA DICES FACIESVE MINERVA” (do nothing against Minerva’s will) within a beaded and wirework border, the shoulders decorated with further wirework and beading in the Pompeian taste, the gallery comprising of a pierced ropetwist design.
Stamped with ‘C.G’ mark for Carlo Giuliano
The owl is an attribute of Minerva, goddess of wisdom and the arts. The motto is a phrase taken from Ars Poetica by Horace, “Tu nihil invita dices faciesve Minerva; id tibi iudicium est, e amens.” It translates as ‘but you will say nothing and do nothing against Minerva’s will; such is your judgement, such your good sense”.
As the goddess of wisdom and art, if you try to achieve something without Minerva’s help (i.e. without talent or wisdom), it is destined to fail. The phrase was popular with artists, who would use it to describe times when they lacked inspiration, by saying they were ‘invita Minerva’ (without Minerva).
It is fitting that Giuliano chose the phrase as a subject, as he included many artists among his clientele, including Edward Burne-Jones, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Edward Poynter, Charles Ricketts and Charles Shannon. He also proudly described himself as an ‘Art Jeweller’, something which is even inscribed on his tomb. The sentiment no doubt appealed to him as an artist and antiquarian, as well as to his many customers. A reminder to keep Minerva close.