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Charming Vintage Hebe and Eagle Cameo Size Overall with frame: 1 -1/4 by 1 - 1/16 inches Cameo only: 1- 3/16 by 15/16 inches Material: Shell Cameo. Frame: Silver, with original c-clasp and pendant bale on the back. Origin: France Date: ca 1915 Condition: Mint Hebe, goddess of youth, the daughter of Zeus and Hera, was a popular subject of cameo artisans. Hebe is always shown in one of two poses, either holding a libation bowl and ewer or offering food to the eagle of Zeus, as seen here. This is because she was assigned two duties on Mount Olympus: she was the divine cupbearer who poured the nectar and ambrosia, which were the sustenance of the gods, and she was also charged with feeding Zeus's eagle. Hebe married Heracles after he was made a god and, upon her marriage, she gave up both these responsibilities (which were assumed by the boy Ganymede). She is therefore a symbol of girlish pursuits giving way to duty to one's husband. Cameos of Hebe were often given as wedding presents. Hebe is shown here as a seated full figure, facing right, sitting on a bank of stylized clouds as she offers the feeding bowl to the eagle of Zeus. She is a barely nubile maiden, radiating ingenuous charm and grace, her left foot curled up girlishly under her right thigh. She is nude except for diaphanous garments billowing softly in a zephyr. Her hair is gathered in soft ringlets, the eyes are large and beautiful, the mouth is curved in a lovely smile. The nose is not only attractive, it is interesting in its transitional style: the carver has moved away from the straight bridge seen on the Hebes of 19th century neoclassicism and has given his maiden a slightly retroussee nose, a hint of the tip-tilted nose which would become a hallmark of 20th century cameos. The composition of the piece is very good: note how the body of the eagle is curved to fit the oval contour of the top of the cameo and how the eagle's strength and vigour contrast artfully with the charm and innocence of the girl. Delicate carving is evident in the fine detailing of the feathers. The design is fresh and charming, with a feeling of the late art nouveau about it. It has a retail value of $550. |