Antique Medallion Brooch With Lava Cameo of Hera in Silver Setting, Around 1880

Cameos were one of the most popular forms of jewellery in the 19th century. They could be used to convey messages, but also to express one's own personality. They were also considered a proof of classical education, because they mostly showed figures of classical mythology. The present cameo shows in profile the head of Hera or Juno, goddess of marriage and childbirth and wife of Jupiter or Zeus. Her attribute is the diadem. Her hairstyle resembles ancient representations, such as the marble bust of Juno Ludovisi, whose classical beauty already inspired Goethe. The portrait is cut in so-called Vesuvius lava. However, this is not really cooled lava of the volcano, but sedimentary rock, which could be mined in the area around Naples. However, since the great number of travellers to Italy in the 19th century were fascinated by the sinking of Pompeii by the lava flows of Vesuvius, the trade name "Vesuvian lava" for cameos of this type was naturally conducive to sales. The cameo is set in a wide frame of silver. Engraved forget-me-not flowers as well as fine dot engravings and tendrils line it. On the back is a glazed insert under which a lock of hair, a photo or another personal souvenir can be kept.

Estimation:€489

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