Antique Pendant-Brooch with a Shell Cameo of Flora in Gilt Silver, c. 1910

Shell cameos of mythological subjects flourished in Italy from the 19th century onwards and served as coveted souvenirs for travelers on the so-called Grand Tour. These educational trips took wealthy travelers to the ancient monuments and art collections in cities such as Rome and Naples. Many of them returned with small souvenirs to commemorate their experiences and impressions on the Italian journey. The cameo presented here was probably also created in Italy and later came to the north. The oval cameo depicts a figure from classical mythology: Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring, recognizable by the lavish floral decoration in her hair. The depiction captivates with its detailed cut and the beautiful three-dimensionality of the young, graceful goddess. Similar to the Greek spring goddesses, Flora is shown here as a youthful figure adorned with flowers. The cameo is set in a simple cord setting made of gold-plated silver, which makes the piece of jewellery wearable as a brooch and also as a pendant. This piece from the early years of the 20th century is in very good condition.

Estimate:£496.8

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