Unusual shell cameo in gold setting, ca. 1850

An unusual cameo with a funny motif, which has its origin in the world of Greek mythology, comes to the presentation in this offer: In very nice detailed cut, the shell of a sea shell is used to vary a theme of antiquity. And with surprising result! On the shell gem we see a naked winged boy. Balancing on one leg, he stands on a chariot pulled by two amused-looking little horses. It is the chariot of Mars, the god of war, which Cupid has stolen here. Thus the god of war can no longer bring misfortune upon the world: Love alone now rules heaven and earth. Where Cupid has gone we cannot say, but perhaps he is on his way to shoot his infamous arrows. For Cupid, the god of love, shoots arrows at people with a small bow - and he usually does this blindfolded, so his love arrows can also strike unplanned, accidentally and by mistake. His quiver holds projectiles with different kinds of tips for this purpose. One type of arrowhead is made of gold, the other is made of lead. Hit by a golden arrow, people ignite in the fire of love, penetrated by an arrow made of lead, you remain indifferent and unimpressed by the charms of another person. Almost a must for any collection of mythological cameos.

Estimate:£749.42

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