Shell Cameo - Replica of an Antique
06
days
02
hours
47
minutes
20
seconds
Current bid
€ 20
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
3 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 8031 | €20 |
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Description from the seller
Museum cameo on a shell depicting Perseus – Neapolitan School, early 19th century
Important cameo incised on a natural shell showing the classical profile of Perseus, hero of Greek mythology famous for the slaying of the Gorgon Medusa. The hero is represented with the unmistakable winged helmet, an iconographic attribute that in the neoclassical tradition identifies the young hero and the divine gifts received during his undertaking.
The work stands out for its exquisite engraving quality, evident in the definition of the facial features, the softness of the hairstyle, and the extraordinary plastic rendering of the decorated helmet. The hair is carved with depth and movement, while the details of the feathers and tresses reveal an extremely refined workmanship, clearly executed entirely by hand by a master engraver.
The intaglio masterfully exploits the natural stratification of the shell: the profile emerges in a luminous ivory white while the deeper areas take on warm amber tones, creating a natural chromatic contrast that enhances the three-dimensionality and gives great expressive power to the composition.
In terms of style, quality, and craftsmanship, the cameo most likely belongs to the Neapolitan school of glyptic, which between the late 18th century and the early 19th century reached levels of absolute excellence. Naples, thanks to the tradition of the Real Laboratorio dei Cammei and the presence of engravers of European fame, became the most prestigious center for the production of cameos destined for collectors, aristocrats, and Grand Tour travelers.
The classical iconography, the purity of the profile, and the quality of the engraving confer on the piece an almost museum-like character, typical of the best 19th-century cameos inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity.
Dimensions: 39 × 32 mm
Weight: 6.77 g
The back is natural and finely smoothed, as is customary for cameos made to be mounted later as a brooch or pendant.
The condition is very good. The cameo is intact and well preserved, with minimal and physiological signs of aging compatible with the age of the object, without defects that would compromise its harmony or stability.
The photos are an integral part of the description. Guaranteed careful packaging entrusted to professionals in the field.
Seller's Story
Gaudí Interiors – Object selected
Born from a constant pursuit of excellence. We select furnishings and art objects designed for refined interiors, where aesthetics, history, and material coexist in balance. Each piece is chosen to enter spaces with character, intended for those who consider the home an extension of their own identity.
We pay particular attention to packaging, which is carried out to very high professional standards, with a focus on protection during transport.
We use recycled packaging materials, with respect for the environment, without compromising on safety.
Translated by Google TranslateMuseum cameo on a shell depicting Perseus – Neapolitan School, early 19th century
Important cameo incised on a natural shell showing the classical profile of Perseus, hero of Greek mythology famous for the slaying of the Gorgon Medusa. The hero is represented with the unmistakable winged helmet, an iconographic attribute that in the neoclassical tradition identifies the young hero and the divine gifts received during his undertaking.
The work stands out for its exquisite engraving quality, evident in the definition of the facial features, the softness of the hairstyle, and the extraordinary plastic rendering of the decorated helmet. The hair is carved with depth and movement, while the details of the feathers and tresses reveal an extremely refined workmanship, clearly executed entirely by hand by a master engraver.
The intaglio masterfully exploits the natural stratification of the shell: the profile emerges in a luminous ivory white while the deeper areas take on warm amber tones, creating a natural chromatic contrast that enhances the three-dimensionality and gives great expressive power to the composition.
In terms of style, quality, and craftsmanship, the cameo most likely belongs to the Neapolitan school of glyptic, which between the late 18th century and the early 19th century reached levels of absolute excellence. Naples, thanks to the tradition of the Real Laboratorio dei Cammei and the presence of engravers of European fame, became the most prestigious center for the production of cameos destined for collectors, aristocrats, and Grand Tour travelers.
The classical iconography, the purity of the profile, and the quality of the engraving confer on the piece an almost museum-like character, typical of the best 19th-century cameos inspired by Greco-Roman antiquity.
Dimensions: 39 × 32 mm
Weight: 6.77 g
The back is natural and finely smoothed, as is customary for cameos made to be mounted later as a brooch or pendant.
The condition is very good. The cameo is intact and well preserved, with minimal and physiological signs of aging compatible with the age of the object, without defects that would compromise its harmony or stability.
The photos are an integral part of the description. Guaranteed careful packaging entrusted to professionals in the field.
Seller's Story
Gaudí Interiors – Object selected
Born from a constant pursuit of excellence. We select furnishings and art objects designed for refined interiors, where aesthetics, history, and material coexist in balance. Each piece is chosen to enter spaces with character, intended for those who consider the home an extension of their own identity.
We pay particular attention to packaging, which is carried out to very high professional standards, with a focus on protection during transport.
We use recycled packaging materials, with respect for the environment, without compromising on safety.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Estimated period
1800-1850
Metal
Shell
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
6.77 g
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Gender
Unisex
Country of origin
Italy
Title additional information
Replica of an Antique
Width
39 mm
Length
32 mm
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
