Allrgory of the Day and the Night Material: Shell, gold Date: ca 1870 Size of the cameo: 2 1/16 x 1 5/8, Size with frame: 2 11/16 x 2 3/8 Condition: mint in all the parts. It seems to be very seldom worn. This is one of the most detailed cameos I have ever handled. I check every year ca 5-600 cameos, and when I find 2-3 pieces of this quality per year, then I feel to be very lucky. Such pieces are nearly unique! The cameo, superbly carved, depicts the Allegory of the Day and the Night, Eos and Selene, sisters of Elios and daughters of Iperion and Teia. All the particulars are perfectly rendered, and the coloured details, makes the cameo even more attractive and rare. The magnificent Etruscan style gold frame is very impressive, made in massive gold (that is almost rare) and is in as new condition. The frame has a kind of safety C clasp which is almost unusual, as you can see looking at the picture. Though the subject appears to be mythological and inspired by the Neoclassical iconography, it is yet predominantly influenced by the Symbolism (the Symbolism was a literary and artistic movement in the second half of the 19th Century). Symbols of the Night: - Moon and Star - The veiled head is adorned with Opium Poppy Seeds (Latin Papaver somniferum) - the depicted person takes a sleeping attitude with closed eyes and head bent down - the owl carrying poppy seeds Symbols of the Day: - Flowers in the hair and around the neck - the depicted person takes a widely awake attitude with eyes open and head up - the genius of light carrying a torch Older cameos usually stick closer to Neoclassical Iconography and the depicted deities are Phoebus Apollo (the sun god) and Selene (the moon goddess), but later - like on this cameo - we can find two female goddesses instead, Eos taking the place of Apollo. A very much sought after collector's item. An excellent piece that would be the proud of any good cameo collection.