Fine Antique Italian Shell Gold Cameo Brooch Depicting Antinous Vertumnus, C.1860

A fine antique Italian shell cameo brooch, circa 1860, depicting Antinous as Vertumnus, after the celebrated classical sculpture known as the Antinous Braschi, now in the Vatican Museums, Rome.

Antinous, the favourite of Emperor Hadrian, was one of the great idealised beauties of the ancient world and became a popular subject in neoclassical and Grand Tour art. Here he is shown in profile, wearing a wreath of vine leaves, fruit and a pine cone, attributes associated with abundance, fertility and the god Vertumnus.

The cameo is finely carved in high relief from sardonyx shell, with excellent detail to the hair, floral wreath, facial features and drapery. The creamy white carving stands beautifully against the warm brown shell ground.

The mount is a simple and elegant 9ct gold frame, stamped to the reverse. It is fitted as both a brooch and pendant, allowing it to be worn in either manner.

A particularly attractive and desirable example, with a rare classical subject and a very wearable size.

Date: circa 1860

Origin: Italy

Material: Sardonyx shell, 9ct gold

Dimensions: 34 × 28 mm

Condition: Excellent. A couple of very slight natural shell lines are visible only when strongly backlit; mentioned for accuracy. No damage or restoration.

Payments:

Purchases can be paid for via bank transfer, PayPal, Stripe or UK personal check and can be made directly through our website by clicking “Buy”, adding item to your basket and choosing your preferred payment option. Our site is using Stripe as a secure and reliable payment provider.

For those looking at the layaway plans an option to use Klarna is now available.

Delivery:

We offer free UK delivery on all our items. Worldwide delivery is also available, please request postage quote to your location. All the purchases are insured and sent via a "Tracked" and/or "Signed For" services.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for US customers - current tariff charges of 10% must be paid prior to posting. Please get in touch to discuss the details.

Communication:

It’s very important to us to have happy customers, satisfied with the purchases and the service they get, so if you have any queries about the items, any concerns or questions about delivery, payment or care for your purchase, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help!