Gold Ring with Roman or Classical Revival Bust of an Empress, 200 CE - 1800 CE
Gold, Agate
FJ.6669
Dated ca. 100-300 A.D. or 18th-19th Century A.D. Cameos are hard or precious stone carved in relief. The cameo is usually a gem (commonly agate, onyx, or sardonyx) having two...
Dated ca. 100-300 A.D. or 18th-19th Century A.D.
Cameos are hard or precious stone carved in relief. The cameo is usually a gem (commonly agate, onyx, or sardonyx) having two different colored layers, with the figures carved in one layer so that they are raised on a background of the other. The cameo is the converse of the intaglio, which consists of an incised, or sunken, engraving in the same class of materials.
Cameos exist in large numbers from the early Sumerian period (c. 3100 BC) to the decline of Roman civilization, from the Renaissance to the Neoclassical period in the 18th century. While Greek cameos were purely decorative (as opposed to intaglios, which were used as seals), Roman cameos were usually carved with portraits and mythological scenes. Because of increased interest in classical civilization, the art of cameo engraving was again perfected during the time of the Renaissance. Cameos were again used to commemorate personages, as in ancient days. In the 18th and 19th centuries, cameos adorned such jewelry as diadems, belts, brooches, and bracelets.
This gorgeous cameo depicts the bust of a female, probably the portrait of an Empress or Princess. The difficulty in proper attribution demonstrates the level of success Classical Revival glyptic artists achieved in imitating their ancient models. While the discrepancy in time periods is great, it does not change the remarkable beauty and artistry of the cameo. Whether this cameo is Ancient Roman or a Victorian era antique done in the ancient style, mounted in this modern gold ring, it is sure to stun all who gaze upon it. Such a beautiful piece of jewelry is truly a classic and would be just as appreciated in Ancient Rome or 18th Century Europe as it is today.
Cameos are hard or precious stone carved in relief. The cameo is usually a gem (commonly agate, onyx, or sardonyx) having two different colored layers, with the figures carved in one layer so that they are raised on a background of the other. The cameo is the converse of the intaglio, which consists of an incised, or sunken, engraving in the same class of materials.
Cameos exist in large numbers from the early Sumerian period (c. 3100 BC) to the decline of Roman civilization, from the Renaissance to the Neoclassical period in the 18th century. While Greek cameos were purely decorative (as opposed to intaglios, which were used as seals), Roman cameos were usually carved with portraits and mythological scenes. Because of increased interest in classical civilization, the art of cameo engraving was again perfected during the time of the Renaissance. Cameos were again used to commemorate personages, as in ancient days. In the 18th and 19th centuries, cameos adorned such jewelry as diadems, belts, brooches, and bracelets.
This gorgeous cameo depicts the bust of a female, probably the portrait of an Empress or Princess. The difficulty in proper attribution demonstrates the level of success Classical Revival glyptic artists achieved in imitating their ancient models. While the discrepancy in time periods is great, it does not change the remarkable beauty and artistry of the cameo. Whether this cameo is Ancient Roman or a Victorian era antique done in the ancient style, mounted in this modern gold ring, it is sure to stun all who gaze upon it. Such a beautiful piece of jewelry is truly a classic and would be just as appreciated in Ancient Rome or 18th Century Europe as it is today.