Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed nowBy subscribing, you are agreeing to the privacy policy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Jewellery & Gems / 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:£420.58
To the auctionView all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewellery & Gems
Estimate:
£420.58
RING 18K VITGULD MED 1 ODLAD PÄRLA OCH 3 BRILJANTER.
09/29/2026
£225.96
Est: £302.98
Bring your auction to collectors worldwide!
Get listed now
SKJORTKNAPPAR & MANSCHETTKNAPP, 14k guld, 3 st skjortknappar dekoretat
09/29/2026
£165.7
Est: £166.64
