Antique Pendant with a Large Shell Cameo of Mars, circa 1880

This pendant promises strength and protection—it features a cameo bearing the likeness of Mars. The god of war is depicted in profile. On his head, the god wears a helmet adorned with a battle scene. We see the Centauromachy, the legendary battle between the centaurs and the Lapiths. The god’s hair flows out from beneath his helmet, and a curly beard covers his cheeks. With a confident gaze, Mars looks to the right, toward the future. The portrait of Mars is carved from a two-toned seashell, which has a brownish colour beneath the light upper layer. Thus, the god’s portrait stands out against the dark background, with which it nevertheless forms a single, naturally created unity. The carving was likely created in the Gulf of Naples in Italy, which at the time was the center for such small works of art, which were exported worldwide. The simple setting is made of gold-plated silver. Originally probably a brooch, the piece of jewellery was later adapted to be worn as a pendant with a loop made of gold-plated silver.

Estimate:£411.76

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