Large Antique Shell Cameo in Gold Setting, Italy ca. 1860

In the years around 1860, the present, large cameo of cut shell in its setting of gold was made. It depicts a figure of Greek mythology. From the vine leaves and grapes in her magnificent hair, the Thyrsos stick and the leopard fur thrown around her shoulders, we recognize that this is a representation of Ariadne, the wife of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus. The image of Dionysus and his entourage, who was famous and infamous for his raucous feasts, is strongly influenced in Western art history by the form that the cult, which was Greek in origin, took among the Romans. The "Bacchanalia" developed at the beginning of the 2nd century BC into excessive revelries accompanied by dances and orgies, which often took place in secret. In later centuries, devotees of the god of wine and his wife Ariadne became synonymous with celebrating fun-loving people, but especially with lovers of good wine. The cameo was cut from the shell of the carnelian shell (Cypraeacassis Rufa) probably in the Bay of Naples. The gold setting was probably created in England in the following years - a procedure often observed in the 19th century. Thus, this shell cameo, unusually detailed and beautifully cut, is particularly suitable to be a gift for a lady or gentleman who is not averse to the pleasures of life.

Estimation:€890

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