Antique sardonyx shell cameo circa 1870. The subject is Antinous, the favorite of Emperor Hadrian, a handsome youth who was idealized as an example of perfect male beauty. He is depicted in profile with a pine cone, the symbol of fertility, and fruiting vines wreathing his flowing hair. The carving on this cameo is excellent and well-detailed, with good relief. The carving is based on an ancient bust of Antinous depicted as Dionysus-Bacchus in the Palazzo Aldobrandini, Rome.
The frame is simple, the right one to show the cameo first, so the eyes are mainly caught by the cameo, which really is worth seeing. This is another masterly carved cameo. It is a very desirable collector's piece, rare and unique. On the reverse side of the cameo is the signature of the master carver.
Unfortunately, the cameo shows signs of wear. The lines that can be seen on the cameo are stress lines (apparently from when the cameo was inserted into the frame), but these are not cracks. And they are not as noticeable in reality as in photographs. At the reverse side of the cameo, at the top under the frame, a small chip and small cracks are visible. They are visible only from a very close distance and only if one specifically looks for them. Overall, the cameo is in good condition, the face side and art on it are undamaged, and this cameo would be a good addition to any collection. The frame also has some signs of wear. We reflected all the defects of the cameo in its price. This is a truly rare item at a low price.
The measures are approximately 51.5 x 42.5 mm (including frame).
The weight is 13 grams.