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Cameo of the God Vulcan Size Overall with frame: 1 -1/2 by 1 - 1/4 inches Cameo only: 1- 3/16 by 1 - 1/4 inches Material: Shell Cameo Frame: Chiseled gold-filled silver with original c-clasp on the back; no pendant bale. Origin: France Date: ca 1870 Condition: Mint Vulcan, called Hephaestus in Greek mythology, was the blacksmith of the gods who forged their drinking vessels, their armour and also the great golden throne of Zeus. He was the son of Juno and the husband of Venus. Vulcan is shown here as a robust bearded front-facing half-figure, the torso turned slightly to the left, the head is swivelled round towards the right. His right hand points behind him while the left holds his hammer. An anvil, seemingly resting on clouds, is placed before him. He wears a workman's cap and his garments swirl breezily, billowing away from the body to reveal his strong blacksmith's arms and chest. The bulky muscularity contrasts nicely with the fine detail of the delicate rendering of the tendrils of hair. Classical depictions of Vulcan show the god as stunted and ugly; in a departure from this tradition, the artisan here has given his Vulcan noble and handsome features which wear an amiable expression. This is a lively, interesting piece, of pleasing composition and a good sense of brawny movement, competently executed. Cameos depicting Vulcan are relatively uncommon. This has a retail value of $500. |