Shell Cameo of a Medieval King Size: Cameo only: 1 7/16 by 1 1/8 - Overall with frame: 1 5/8 by 1 5/16 Material: Shell Cameo in a frame of 16K yellow gold Date: The cameo was carved circa 1890 -1900. Frame: The frame is made of 16K yellow gold and is contemporary with the cameo. It has been repaired with silver. The repair is not visible when the cameo is worn. The original C-clasp has been replaced with a tube clasp. There is no pendant bale. Origin: France Condition: Excellent. The figure in the cameo is undamaged and there is no wear to the high points of the carving. There is, however, a crack on the background field at the 3:00 position. This is near the edge and could be covered by a new frame or by an alteration to the existing frame. Description: This cameo presents the right-facing profile of a man dressed as a medieval king. His face is handsome and pensive. The deep-set eye under a strong brow is careworn. Finely carved hair flows down to his shoulder from under a bejeweled crown. A series of fleurs de lys surmounting the crown signify that this is the king of either France or England. The fleur de lys, the royal heraldic symbol of France, appeared not only on the crown of the monarchs of France but also on the crowns of the English kings in medieval times in token of their claim to the French throne. The king is sumptuously robed. His wide collar is made of deep-wale velvet of the type called corduroi. This is corduroi in its original sense of the "cord of the king", the luxurious cloth restricted by sumptuary laws to the king's exclusive use, not modern corduroy, the durable fabric used nowadays in workmenÕs clothing. The collar lies over a robe of figured brocade. Over the right breast the edge of the robe has been turned back to reveal a lining of fur, identified by the tiny tails as ermine. Under the robe, the king wears a linen chemise with a small double ruffle at the neckline. Fabrics are very difficult to depict in shell. Yet here, the textures of the garments are rendered with deft precision. A master hand has carved the shell to convey a wondrous evocation of the softness of fur and the ridged depth of the velvet. It is an extraordinary accomplishment. The realistic treatment of the face suggests that this is not a likeness copied from a medieval painting of a king but rather a portrait of a modern man dressed as a monarch. It may be a portrait of the celebrated English actor-manager Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson (1853 - 1937). Forbes-Robertson was a noted interpreter of Shakespearean roles and this cameo may show him costumed to play one of the BardÕs kings, probably Henry V. This is a striking cameo, well-framed, of good size. The balance and artistry are superb and the workmanship, with its splendid rendering of the fabrics, is impeccable. It is highly collectible and would sell at retail for $1,000.00 Appraisal copyright 2001 by Corrie Tapp