Museum Quality Huge Finely-Carved Shell "Confidenze" signed, Franco Monastero

Fine Art : Carved Shell

 

This is a magnificent work of art depicting two friends sharing a confidence. It takes this master artist about three months to create this one of a kind incredibly detailed scene that is over 2 inches in diameter. The shell is the most prized Cassis Madagascarensis and the pictures do not do it justice. For some reason I could not get the detail well visualized, but every detail of the face, the folds of the dresses, the strands of hair, and even the lovely decorative edge is truly amazing. It is signed in the lower left of the cameo, on the second rock top. I couldn't seem to get the signature clear, but it is quite clear and readable in the close-ups, and easily seen on the magnified photos. It comes in a lovely dark blue velvet and satin case, with a certificate of authenticity bearing a picture of the cameo as well as the description and the artist's signature. I have not made it into any type of jewelry, although it would be spectacular as either a pendant or a pin. I have enjoyed simply handling it and marveling at the translucency in the thinner part of the carving. A friend saw one similar to this some years ago for $2500.00 in Italy. He was recently in Italy again, and saw one similar, altho he said not as detailed, for $3500.00. I've always had confidence that fine art will appreciate. I had an opportunity to buy several, and it was so hard making up my mind which to keep for myself.

Item ID: 177