Vintage Shell Cameo Pendant-Brooch with Venus and Cupid in Gold, c. 1980

This unusual cameo shows an exciting motif that has its origins in the world of Greek mythology. The shell of a seashell has been beautifully cut to depict an episode from the life of Venus and Cupid. This popular couple from the world of classical mythology is the source of many a great happiness, but also many a sorrow. The goddess of love Venus - born from a shell and responsible for the flourishing of love on earth - had a little helper: the god of love Cupid. Cupid shoots arrows at people with a small bow - usually blindfolded. As a result, his arrows of love often hit people unplanned, by chance or by mistake. In his quiver, he carries projectiles with differently crafted tips: One half is made of gold, the other of lead. Anyone who is hit by a golden arrow is inflamed with the fire of love; anyone hit by a lead arrow, on the other hand, is completely unaffected by even the greatest of charms. On our shell cameo, we see the naked, winged boy holding an oval frame with outstretched arms. The lightly clad Venus sits on a step. With a brush in her hand, she appears to be in the process of painting a picture - perhaps the ideal image of a great love that Cupid is now to find? The little messenger of love appears joyfully excited, and the goddess also seems confident. Cupid may therefore receive a commission. We don't know whether he shoots a golden or a leaden arrow - but of course we are hoping for a projectile made of gold. The cameo was probably cut in Italy around 1980 and then given a simple gold setting, which makes it wearable as both a brooch and a pendant. Due to the motif and the fine workmanship, this highly decorative piece is almost a must for any collection of mythological cameos and cameos.

Estimate:£659.12

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