Exceptional Victorian Lava High Relief Cameo of Bacchante Gold Brooch ~ 1870

Spectacular c1870's Victorian hand carved lava cameo brooch. It is unusually finely hand carved, in particularly high relief from taupe coloured lava, to depict a graceful classical Bacchante.  Bacchantes, the female devotees of Bacchus, Roman god of festivity and creativity, often became the subject of mid-Victorian cameos. Their association with Bacchus made evident through their headdress heavy with grapes and vine leaves.

It is becoming more and more difficult to find quality examples of late Georgian and Victorian lava cameos and this is a very fine example with the carving having wonderful definition, grace and detail.
This was perhaps purchased during a grand tour of Italy. Victorians were fascinated with Pompeii and cameos were immensely popular as reminders of a visit. Any tour of Italy usually included Naples, Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. Naples is still a centre for carved coral and shell cameos, and it's skilled carvers specialise in Vesuvian lava.

This is a superbly classical portrait as many of the early cameos are. Her serene face is gracefully portrayed, she has vine leaves wound through her thick twisted hair, with a wreath of leaves around her shoulders above a draped garment. The carving shows superb depth and intricate detail. The oval cameo is framed in an unmarked rose gold (tested) mount for wear as a brooch.
The cameo dates from around 1870 and is in exceptional condition with only very minor high detail wear and a tiny surface chip to the reverse side. The pin is secure.
Dimensions: 1 3⁄4 x 1 1⁄2 inches ; depth of cameo relief is 5/8 inch ; weight is 25.6 grams

This most superb lava cameo is a rare portrait piece in lovely condition. Wearable history.