How is a cameo carved? Please follow us! A special thanks to the Master carver Pavel Mendel, who kindly sent us these images. This is a medallion by John Gibson. Master Mendel want to do a cameo after this masterpiece. The photo on the left shows several pieces of shell (backside) ready to be carved. The photo on the right shows a side view.  Notice the two layers of shell. They are what allows the carver to obtain a white figure on a dark background.   The piece of shell is attached to a wood support with wax or resin. Please click on the image to see a close up. The artist designs the subject and starts to engrave the contour. Please click on the image to see a close up. The contour of the subject is completely engraved. Please click on the image to see a close up. The subject is roughly carved. Most of the white layer of shell has been removed around the subject. Since the white layer is now very thin we start to detect the brown layer. The artist can then decide whether or not to take advantage of the transparent layer in order to obtain special hues. The thinner the white layer, the more transparent it is. With this technique the carver can produce a cameo with gray hues instead of "black and white". Please click on the image to see a close up. The carver continues working on the details. Please click on the image to see a close up. The carving is nearly finished. Please click on the image to see a close up. The carving is complete. Please click on the image to see a close up. The cameo is then polished and is ready to be removed from the support Please click on the image to see a close up.