Victorian lava stone cameo depicting Bacchus

OBJECT GROUP : brooches
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe it is of Italian origin.
STYLE : Victorian
PERIOD : 1850
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION : Greek and Roman mythology
THEME : Bacchus, or Dionysius known in both Greek and Roman mythology and associated with the Italic Liber, the Thracian god of wine, represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficial influences. He is viewed as the promoter of civilization, a lawgiver, and lover of peace - as well as the patron deity of agriculture and the theater.
MATERIAL : lavastone and base metal
TECHNIQUE : cameo - Cameo is a method of carving, or an item of jewellery or vessel made in this manner. It features a raised (positive) relief image. There are three main materials for Cameo carving; Shells or Agate (called a Hardstone cameo), and glass. Cameos can be produced by setting a carved relief, such as a portrait, onto a background of a contrasting colour. This is called an assembled cameo. Alternately, a cameo can be carved directly out of a material with integral layers or banding, such as (banded) agate or layered glass, where different layers have different colours. Sometimes dyes are used to enhance these colours. Cameos are often worn as jewellery. Stone cameos of great artistry were made in Greece dating back as far as the 6th century BC. They were very popular in Ancient Rome, and one of the most famous stone cameos from this period is the Gemma Claudia made for the Emperor Claudius. The technique has since enjoyed periodic revivals, notably in the early Renaissance, and again in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
PRECIOUS STONES : cameo - Click here for more information on cameo
TECHNIQUE : hand made engraving
WEIGHT : 8.10 gram (5.21 dwt)
HALLMARKS : No trace
CONDITION : Excellent condition - (click here for our condition scale)
SIZE : Height approx. 3.42 cm (1.35 inch)


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