SALE Large 2 7/16" SIGNED Victorian Shell Cameo Phoebus Apollo & the Hours Brooch Pendant 800 Silver & 14K

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Cameo : Carnelian Shell : Mythological : Phoebus Apollo Ascending : Brooch : Pendant : 800 Silver

 

This is a suburb Italian carved scenic cameo depicting the famous "Apollo Phoebus and the Hours Preceded by Aurora" (also known as Phoebus Apollo Ascending). The original (see picture) is a ceiling fresco painted by Guido Reni (1613) in the Rospigliosi Palace in Rome. It is his most famous work of art.

The detail in the master carving is fabulous as there are so many characters, 7 Horae 2 Gods and a flying cherub, and animals in this scene as well as the well detailed back and fore grounds. The scene depicts the Sun God, Apollo driving the golden chariot of the sun into the sky to start a new day. He is preceded below by horae, or seasons, and nymphs dancing in celebration and above by the Genius of Light carrying his symbolic torch, in keeping with his task to protect the light of day. At the forefront is Aurora, the Goddess of the Dawn, strewing flowers before him. I am amazed that the master carver makes this Phoebus Apollo stand above the rest by having Apollo and the hours on the darker side of the shell with the cameo getting lighter toward the front and Aurora, symbolizing the movement "into the light". Superb in its complexity and beauty!

The cameo measures 2 7/16" wide by 1 7/8" high and the cameo alone measured 2 3/6" by 1 13/16". The 800 silver (hallmarked and common for the period) Roman type setting with a 14K rope surround and carnelian shell are thick and solid as evidenced by its weight of 18.3 grams. The brooch pin closes with a simple locking c-clasp and there is a hide-away, fold-down bale for use as a pendant. The back of the cameo was signed with a bolo and appears to read "Pia" (see picture of back). This beautiful antique is in excellent original condition with nary a flaw as you can see by the backlit picture, without an inclusion or even a hairline crack.

This heirloom quality piece is a cameo lovers or collector's dream. Very rare and so expertly executed as to always be of great value as a true work of art. An heirloom for the ages. Substantial, as well as gorgeous, this cameo will dazzle all who view this fabulous beauty. And this large beauty already has a pendant bail that so many women today want for wear as a necklace, too.

When the Present has to be perfect, give a gift from the Past.

This cameo would make a great gift for the love of your life, or for the art lover, as well. Cameos are indeed a beautiful and wearable form of art themselves!

This beautiful cameo will be delivered in an elegant rosewood case excellent for storage and display. as well as gift giving. An acrylic display stand is also included. In addition, your gift selection will arrive professionally cleaned and conditioned, along with a copy of our cameo care instructions to keep your cameo jewelry looking fabulous for generations to come. When you find the perfect gift, you needn't worry about the perfect box. Presentation is where it's at. We all love it!

Always free shipping in the USA with a no hassle return policy. We want our customers to love our pieces as much as we do. If for ANY reason you do not, we are happy to refund your purchase price and the return shipping. And none of those ridiculous restocking fees at Cameo Couture. NEVER will be. We pledge and guarantee every item we sell will be loved or totally refunded so you can try whatever appeals to you hassle free.

Item ID: RL-00690

--------------------
Let Apollo and Aurora Brighten Your Day