Excellent Coral Cameo depicting Bacchus Size: 1-1/8 by 9/8 inch Material: Red Coral Date: ca 1900 Origin: Italy Condition : Excellent, except for a negligible crack at the tip of the nose, discernible only under magnification in strong light. It is a tiny natural fissure in the coral and is not a slip of the carver's chisel or the result of damage. This virtually imperceptible flaw does not detract from the cameo's appeal or value. The piece is otherwise in mint condition, with no wearing to high points. It has never been mounted and seldom handled. This is an exceptionally attractive cameo carved in rich, red coral. The coral is of very high quality and its colour is natural, not dyed. The cameo depicts the head of a Bacchante, a nymph who frolics in woodland festivities with the god Bacchus. Unusual in a cameo, the face is seen not in profile but in its full frontal aspect. Were it not for the grapes and vine-leaves entwined in the hair the face, with its frontal view, would resemble a medieval cherub. In the 19th century, red coral was believed to ward off illness. Perhaps the purpose of this charming nymph, who dances in the wine-soaked revels of Bacchus, is to prevent hangover?Carved in the Art Nouveau style, the piece depicts a maiden with a lovely oval face. Her eyebrows are arched in perfect symmetry over expressive, large eyes. She has a straight nose, a soft, pretty mouth and a firm chin. Grape clusters and leaves are entwined in her hair. The design is elegant, the carving assured and delicate. The splendid natural red colour of the coral, the delicacy of the carving and its unusual full-face aspect all make this cameo a desirable item. Prices for original Art Nouveau cameos, whether of stone, shell or coral, have been increasing steadily since the 1980's. Coral cameos are particularly prized because coral has become a rare commodity now that coral beds are protected from harvesting by environmental laws. Antique coral jewelry, particularly of this quality, is becoming ever more valuable. Therefore, this is a highly collectible piece, suitable to be mounted as jewelry or to acquire as an investment. It has a retail value of $950. Appraisal copyright 2001 by Corrie Tapp