Antique Bracelet with Cameos from "Vesuvius Lava", Naples Around 1860

"Vesuvius always remained to our left, steaming violently, and I was quietly pleased for myself that I finally saw this strange object with my eyes. The sky became clearer and clearer, and at last the sun shone quite hotly into our narrow rolling apartment. In an atmosphere of pure light, we approached Naples; and now we really found ourselves in another country." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Italian Journey, February 25, 1787 This piece of jewellery comes from the long tradition of precious souvenirs from Pompeii. Seven oval elements made of stone show depictions of ancient theater masks in bold relief: in ever-changing variations, we see a face en face, framed by rich curls around the head, with various headdresses and facial expressions. The depictions are symmetrical, over-personalized and with bold details; their formal language allows us to date the bracelet to around 1860. The portraits are carved in so-called "Vesuvius lava". This is not actually cooled lava from the volcano, but sedimentary rock that was quarried in the region around Naples in a variety of shades of colour. However, as most travelers to Italy in the 19th century were fascinated by the tragic history of Pompeii, the name "Vesuvius lava" proved to be a clever trick - sonorous and sales-promoting. The colours of our cameos range from grey and beige to olive green and chocolate brown. The cameos are set in simple gold frames and connected with movable chain links. The result is a wonderful piece of jewellery and an allusive souvenir from an Italian trip.

Estimation:€1,890

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