Antique 18ct Gold Large Cameo Brooch of Greek Woman with Snake Coiling on Her Breast

Name: Antique 18ct Gold Large Cameo Brooch of Greek Woman with Snake Coiling on Her Breast
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1049105
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

Exquisite early-Victorian large carnelian shell cameo brooch set in 18ct yellow gold frame. Depicting the profile of a Greek or Roman woman with a snake coiling around her exposed breast. Superb craftsmanship with multiple levels of carving and intricate detailing from the curls of hair to the snake's tongue.

This could possibly be a depiction of Athena or Hecate, the two goddesses associated with snakes.

The straight Roman nose portrayed here is indicative of the first half of the 19th century, as later Victorians preferred a more feminine, upturned nose.

The brooch is set in an 18ct yellow gold frame stamped "750"; the frame has a roll-over clasp and an additional security chain. The cameo has been reset at some point, as the frame dates to 20th century.

Made in Italy, c. 1830's (frame later date).

20.02 g

6.6 x 5 x 1.6 cm

Cameo in excellent antique condition. Tiny sliver missing on reverse (hidden underneath the frame); several small dings to the frame on the lower part.

Physical Dimensions

Height

6.6cm (2.60")

Width

5cm (1.97")

Depth

1.6cm (0.63")

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1049105

Dealers Internal Reference

2677

Description

Exquisite early-Victorian large carnelian shell cameo brooch set in 18ct yellow gold frame. Depicting the profile of a Greek or Roman woman with a snake coiling around her exposed breast.

“

Superb craftsmanship with multiple levels of carving and intricate detailing from the curls of hair to the snake's tongue.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

fig 1. Antique 18ct gold large cameo brooch of Greek woman with snake coiling on her breast — fig 1. Antique 18ct Gold Large Cameo Brooch of Greek Woman with Snake Coiling on Her Breast

This could possibly be a depiction of Athena or Hecate, the two goddesses associated with snakes.

The straight Roman nose portrayed here is indicative of the first half of the 19th century, as later Victorians preferred a more feminine, upturned nose.

fig 2. Antique 18ct gold large cameo brooch of Greek woman with snake coiling on her breast — fig 2. Antique 18ct Gold Large Cameo Brooch of Greek Woman with Snake Coiling on Her Breast

The brooch is set in an 18ct yellow gold frame stamped "750"; the frame has a roll-over clasp and an additional security chain. The cameo has been reset at some point, as the frame dates to 20th century.

fig 3. Antique 18ct gold large cameo brooch of Greek woman with snake coiling on her breast — fig 3. Antique 18ct Gold Large Cameo Brooch of Greek Woman with Snake Coiling on Her Breast

Made in Italy, c. 1830's (frame later date).

20.02 g

6.6 x 5 x 1.6 cm

Cameo in excellent antique condition. Tiny sliver missing on reverse (hidden underneath the frame); several small dings to the frame on the lower part.