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 ve...