Antique Coral Cameo of a Maenad in Gold, Locket Brooch, Italy ca. 1875

Impressive in its exceptional cut and its lifelike three-dimensionality, this brooch from around 1875 shows a wonderful cameo of Mediterranean coral held in a setting of 18-carat gold. The cameo depicts a figure from classical mythology: a Bacchante. Like her Greek counterpart, the Maenad, she was a follower of the wine god Bacchus (Dionysus), who was famous and infamous for his lavish parties, the so-called "Bacchanalia". The Roman Bacchanalia probably originated from spring festivals. At the beginning of the 2nd century BC, the cult celebrations then developed into excessive revelries, accompanied by dances and orgies, which took place in secret. In later centuries, bacchants became synonymous with celebrating fun-loving people, but especially with lovers of good wine. Cameo jewellery was particularly popular in the second half of the 19th century. Almost every lady in society owned a carved piece of jewellery, mainly depicting mythological motifs from antiquity. The great figures of history were loved, and so many philosophers and emperors, but also goddesses and gods can be found on the rings and brooches of this generation. Our brooch also belongs to this environment and presents such a cameo made of finely cut Mediterranean coral. Especially the region around the Gulf of Naples was specialized in the art of cameo cutting and produced a variety of beautiful cameos, which were exported worldwide. Our bacchante was also almost certainly created at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. The great craftsmanship in which the detailed and sculptural cut was executed is particularly impressive. The bust is reproduced en face; we recognize her by her characteristic grape ornament in her hair. An elaborate setting of gold makes the oval coral cut wearable as a brooch, and a compartment at the back allows the brooch to be used as a locket. An inlay of finely woven hair has been preserved in it.

Estimate:£1,265.65

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