Archaeological-Revival Gold and Hardstone Cameo Brooch, Castellani

The rose and cream-colored agate cameo carved in high relief with the profile of Dionysus, mounted in gold as a bar brooch decorated with reeding and wirework, the cameo signed A. Mastini, the mounting signed with interlaced Cs; circa 1880.

Castellani & Giuliano: The Judith H. Siegel Collection, Sotheby's New York, December 6, 2006, lot 17.

Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelry, Villa Giulia, Rome, November 2005-February 2006.

In very good condition. The rich yellow gold mounting with fine scratching on the broader surfaces to create a matte finish. Very minor areas of discoloration to the mid-section of the drum-form base. The profile of Dionysus is carved in high relief from opaque material graduating from a soft, medium pink to a light coral color. The subtle pink-peach hue achieved for the cheek speaks to the great skill of the lapidary. The cameo's base is composed of heavily included, semi-transparent rock crystal. There is a minute chip to Dionysus' nose and a small chip to his forelock, both seen under magnification. The fastener to his cloak is formed from a section of rock crystal that pierces the upper, opaque layers of the agate. Numerous surface-reaching inclusions to the rock crystal, but stability is not affected. The cameo is signed on the periphery of the rock crystal, to the left of Dionysus' head. The mounting is signed on drum-form base's interior.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The unusually fine cameo in this brooch was carved by Amastini, circa 1820. The attractive pinkish hue of the stone serves to heighten the grape vine garland that is worn in the young god's hair while an inclusion in the stone is transformed into the clasp of his tunic.

The signature A. Mastini has been tentatively ascribed to Angelo Amastini (1754-1815) who was born in Fossombrone and worked as a gem engraver in Rome. Although there are several variations of the signature, including A-Mastinit, Amastini and simply Mastini, there is no record of a gem engraved named 'Mastini.' The versions of the signature accompanied by the initial 'N' may be ascribed to Niccolo, Angelo's son. For additional information see The Art of the Jeweller, The Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, Vol. I, p. 131, no. 870 and Vol. 11, p. 218, no. 870.