Cassis madagascariensis Cameo - Hand-engraved cameo

06
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19
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 750 - € 850
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Hand-engraved cameo on a Cassis madagascariensis shell depicting Bacchus by G. Aversano, weighing 32.45 g with dimensions 82.5 × 65 mm, of Italian origin in an antique style for unisex wear.

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Description from the seller

Magnificent hand-engraved cameo on Madagascar Cassis shell, made by G. Aversano, engraver belonging to the prestigious artistic tradition of Torre del Greco, world capital of cameo art.

This cameo depicts Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and ecstasy, corresponding to the Greek Dionysus. The piece is particularly evocative because it does not represent the young god with an effeminate appearance, but a more archaic and solemn version, with a thick flowing beard and the head crowned with grapevines and clusters of grapes, symbols of fertility, abundance and the regenerating power of nature.

The god's hand, placed on the chest and surrounded by tendrils and grape clusters finely carved, emphasizes the bond with the vine, a sacred plant that in antiquity symbolized not only wine but also the cyclical rebirth of life and the immortality of the soul.
Weight 32.45 g
Cameo dimensions 82.5 mm (height) x 65 mm (width)

Will be shipped with gift box and materials warranty

Magnificent hand-engraved cameo on Madagascar Cassis shell, made by G. Aversano, engraver belonging to the prestigious artistic tradition of Torre del Greco, world capital of cameo art.

This cameo depicts Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and ecstasy, corresponding to the Greek Dionysus. The piece is particularly evocative because it does not represent the young god with an effeminate appearance, but a more archaic and solemn version, with a thick flowing beard and the head crowned with grapevines and clusters of grapes, symbols of fertility, abundance and the regenerating power of nature.

The god's hand, placed on the chest and surrounded by tendrils and grape clusters finely carved, emphasizes the bond with the vine, a sacred plant that in antiquity symbolized not only wine but also the cyclical rebirth of life and the immortality of the soul.
Weight 32.45 g
Cameo dimensions 82.5 mm (height) x 65 mm (width)

Will be shipped with gift box and materials warranty

Details

Era
1900-2000
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Style
Antique
Metal
Cassis madagascariensis
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
32.45 g
Condition
As new - unused
Gender
Unisex
Country of origin
Italy
Title additional information
Hand-engraved cameo
ItalyVerified
90
Objects sold
100%
Private

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