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| CARVED SHELL CAMEO IN A FRAME OF ENAMELED GOLDPLATED COPPER Neoclassical scene showing Apollo Erastes sharing a libation with a putto, probably Cupid Eromenos. Apollo Erastes,seated upon a boulder draped with an animal skin, holds an amphora in his right hand while his left hand proffers a kylix (libation bowl) to Cupid Eromenos. Both figures are nude, apart from some diaphanous drapery on the legs of Zeus. It is a charming and merry scene. The composition is well-balanced and the carving is precise yet fluid, executed with delicacy of detail: note the exquisite rendering of the feathers of the putto's wings, the hair of both figures and the folds of Apollo's garment. The cameo is designed to be worn as a brooch. The original C-clasp, in excellent condition, is present on the back. There is no pedant bale. Present on the back of the shell, discernible only with strong light, is a diagonal crack which is not visible on the front of the piece. The frame is in excellent condition, with no repairs or chipping of the enamel. Size: Cameo alone: 1-1/16 by 1-1/4 inch With frame: 2-1/4 by 1-3/4 inch Date: Mid 19th century Origin: Italy This is a rare cameo of exceptionally fine quality. Its price at retail would be $1,200.00 |