Splendid Second Empire Hebe and Eagle Cameo Size Overall with frame: 2 -1/2 by 2 inches Cameo only: 2 - 3/16 by 1 - 15/16 inches Material: Shell, probably Cassis tuberosa Origin: France Date: ca 1860 Frame: 7.5 grams of 18K gold. Recent manufacture Condition: Mint Hebe, goddess of youth, the daughter of Zeus and Hera, was a popular subject among neoclassical painters and sculptors; Canova was notably fond of the theme and produced several statues of the goddess. Following the fashions set by painters and sculptors, 19th-century cameo artisans often carved Hebe. Hebe is instantly recognizable because she is always shown in one of two motifs, either holding a libation bowl and ewer or offering food to the eagle of Zeus, as seen here. She is depicted thus because she was assigned two duties on Mount Olympus: she was the divine cupbearer who poured nectar, the sustenance of the gods, and she was also charged with feeding ZeusÕs eagle. Hebe married Heracles after his apotheosis and upon marriage she relinquished both these responsibilities to Ganymede. Hebe is, therefore, an allegory on filial loyalty and girlish pursuits giving way to duty to oneÕs husband. Cameos depicting her were often given as wedding presents in the 19th century. Hebe is depicted here as a 3/4 length figure with the head turned in left-facing profile. The proportions of the figure are lovely and the face, in its Pheidian serenity and nobility, is especially appealing. The eyes are large and expressive, the mouth curved in a subtle half-smile, the chin firm but feminine and the nose of classical straightness. The goddess is dressed in a chiton of the Ionian style, fastened with a clasp at the left shoulder and belted with a cord at the waist. The folds of the chiton are rendered with a sense of fluid movement, the edge of the garment blowing in a gentle breeze behind her. Her hair cascades in soft ringlets onto beautiful white shoulders. As the fleecy clouds of the peak of Mount Olympus billow in the background, Hebe caresses the neck of the eagle as it feeds from the kylix (libation bowl.) A sense of youthful strength and energy emanates from both figures. This is a large and splendid example of cameo artisanry in the best tradition of the Second French Empire. The carving and composition are masterly. The frame, of recent manufacture, is 7.4 grams of 18k gold and is of a design appropriate to the cameoÕs period. It has a brooch pin with a c clasp on the back; there is no pendant bale. The overall condition of the piece is excellent with no cracks, chipping or wearing of detail. It has a retail value of $1,000. Appraisal copyright 2000 Corrie Tapp Cameos