Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels

Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 78. ITALIAN, POSSIBLY 16TH/ 17TH CENTURY | CAMEO WITH A RECUMBENT LEOPARD.

ITALIAN, POSSIBLY 16TH/ 17TH CENTURY | CAMEO WITH A RECUMBENT LEOPARD

Lot Closed

July 9, 01:21 PM GMT

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

ITALIAN, POSSIBLY 16TH/ 17TH CENTURY

CAMEO WITH A RECUMBENT LEOPARD


lapis lazuli, with diamond set eyes, within in a later brooch mount set with pearls and lapis stones

lapis cameo: 42.6mm., 1.67in. long

40.6 by 63.6mm., 1.59 by 2.5in. overall


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With the animal's form fully occupying the stone's oval shape, this intriguing cameo is reminiscent of the 'Althorp Leopard', illustrated in D. Scarisbrick, The Art of Gem Engraving from Alexander the Great to Napoleon III, Fukuoka, 2008, no. 261. The present wildcat is distinguished by its diamond-inlaid eyes.