Antique Pendant-Brooch with a Hardstone Cameo in Gold, c. 1880

This cameo was created around 1880 and is made of carved hardstone in a reddish gold setting. A wreath of shimmering natural pearls surrounds the high-quality stone cut and four diamond roses set glittering points of light. Delicate scrollwork and fine gold beads complete the magnificent work on the outside. Thanks to a pin on the back and a retractable eyelet, the piece of jewellery can be worn both as a brooch and as a pendant. It depicts a figure from Greek mythology. Recognisable by the vine leaves and vines in her magnificent hair, it is a maenad, a follower of the Greek god of wine Dionysus, or his wife Ariadne. In Western art history, the image of Dionysus, who was famous and notorious for his lavish parties, is strongly characterised by the form that the originally Greek cult took on among the Romans. There, the god was called Bacchus and his followers were called Bacchantes. At the beginning of the 2nd century BC, these ‘Bacchanalia’ developed into excessive feasts, which were accompanied by dances and orgies and often took place in secret. In later centuries, followers of the god of wine became synonymous with fun-loving revelers, especially lovers of good wine. This marvellous gem is therefore particularly suitable as a gift for a lady who is not averse to the pleasures of life!

Estimate:£1,520.47

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