Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels
Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels
Lot Closed
July 9, 12:45 PM GMT
Estimate
2,400 - 3,500 GBP
Lot Details
Description
ITALIAN, 18TH CENTURY
CAMEO WITH THE JUDGEMENT
sardonyx
22.1 by 31.7mm., 0.87 by 1.24in.
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This beautiful cameo appears to show the Judgement of Paris. The use of the sardonyx with rich brown, light brown and white banding is reminiscent of gems believed to herald from the Sicilian court of Frederick II Hohenstaufen between 1220-1250, such as the famous Hercules cameo in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 38.150.23). However, the figures appear to be more svelte and delicate, with the figure of Paris adopting an almost Algardesque pose. The use of stone in this way has been popular throughout the ages and can be seen again in a cameo with Otho in the Royal Collection (inv. no. RCIN 43777). A dating to the 18th century seems probable.