Lot 624
  • 624

Gold and carnelian cameo ring, early 19th century

Estimate
200 - 300 GBP
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Description

  • gold, carnelian
the bezel inset with a carved carnelian cameo depicting the profile of a gentleman, possibly Charles James Fox, size H, cased.

Provenance

Possibly John Crewe, 1st Baron Crewe (1742–1829) or his wife Frances Anne Crewe, Lady Crewe (1748–1818).

The Crewe’s were linked very closely to Charles James Fox (1749-1806) and his circle, Lord Crewe was an ardent supporter of the politician, bankrolling his campaign and Lady Crewe, along with other female admirers which included Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, played a role in his successes. They were among an elite, fashionable circle of wealthy personalities who canvassed for him. Lady Crewe threw soirees for his benefit at her villa in Hampstead. On his victory in 1784 election she hosted a party at the Crewe London town house, with all assembled dressed in blue and buff, Fox’s colours. It was here the Prince of Wales is said to have toasted; “True blue and Mrs Crewe”.  Lady Crewe in return raising her glass with the words, “True blue and all of you”.

Lady Crewe was a great beauty, she was painted by Gainsborough and Reynolds on at least there occasions. It was her very public affair with the playwrite Richard Sheridan which she is perhaps best remembered for and it was to her that School for Scandal was dedicated to in 1777. In 1806 John Crewe was elevated to the peerage by Fox.

This ring may be that described on a list of items the Duchess' father, the 1st Marquess of Crewe took with him to Ireland during his tenure as Viceroy. There is a cameo ring described on the document, which appears to be in the Marquess' own hand, he writes 'Packed to go to Dublin Castle, 8 July 1894 - 'Ring with cameo bust of Fox'. The Marquess was a career politician and no doubt Fox appealed to him as a famously eloquent public speaker and as a historical figure with strong links to the Crewe family.

Condition

Mounted in gold. Minor abrasions commensurate with age and wear. Signs of re-sizing to band. Small chips to base of cameo on shoulder.
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Catalogue Note