Shell Cameo After a Painting by Gagneraux in Gold, Around 1910

The present shell cameo shows a rarely depicted motif of mythology: the genius of peace, a naked youth with wings and flowing hair, tames the horses of Mars. He holds the reins of the war god's steeds in his hand and is about to give them their freedom. The armour, the helmet, the shield and the torch of Mars are already left on the ground. Mars himself is not to be seen. But deprived of his warlike chariot, from which he brought so much suffering and disaster upon the world, without his weapons and armor, peace now returns to the world. The cameo follows in its representation a painting of the French painter Bénigne Gagneraux (*Dijon 1756, + Florence 1795). The winner of the Rome Prize of the Academy was specialized in history paintings whose heroic themes he brought to canvas in classical perfection of form. His "The Genius of Peace tames the Horses of Mars" from 1794 is kept today in the Museum of the City of Geneva. The large shell cameo is set in filigree gold and can be worn as a brooch. Wonderfully preserved, this is an absolutely collectible piece that came to us from London.

Estimate:£1,681.87

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