Cameo of an Elegant Lady

Size
Cameo only: 1 - 9/16 by 1 - 1/2 inches
With frame: 1 - 3/4 by 1 - 3/8 inches
Materials: Shell cameo in a frame of chiselled gold
Origin and Date: Paris, circa 1800 - 1810
Condition: Mint. There are no surface flaws, cracks or chips and there is no wearing to the high points of the carving. It has been lightly handled and seldom worn. The bezel is contemporaneous with the cameo but its original c-clasp was replaced with a tube clasp during the 20th century.

This cameo depicts a profile of a young woman. Her countenance is serene and noble, the eyes large, beautiful and expressive, the chin determined yet feminine. A classically straight nose, which so often gives a forbidding aspect to cameo profiles of this period, is present here but the face is rescued from sternness by a subtle half-smile on the exquisitely-modelled lips. The carving of the features is masterly, as is that of the coiffure. Her hair is arranged in a loose curls and cascading tendrils held in place with a bandeau. A wreath of small flowers is entwined among the ringlets and a feather has been artfully incorporated into the coiffure. She wears a baroque pearl drop earring. We have a glimpse of her bodice, which is draped softly on her shoulders. Rising from the shoulders, her neck is a graceful column.

This cameo is a superb example of neoclassical design and workmanship. The carving is crisp and precise yet fluid, executed with delicacy and meticulous attention to fine detail. The beautiful design and impeccable craftsmanship all suggest that this piece was produced in the Imperial cameo workshop established in Paris by Napoleon in the first decade of the 19th century.

This is a museum-quality cameo of surpassing beauty. Its retail value is $1,100.00