Antique Cameo of Clio Set in Gold as a Brooch, c. 1880

This beautiful cameo from the late 19th century depicts a figure from classical Greek mythology: we see the youthful muse Clio with her distinguishing mark, the laurel wreath in her elaborately pinned-up hair. Clio (ancient Greek Κλειώ Kleiō 'the glorious one') is the muse of heroic poetry and historiography. She is one of the nine artistic daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne who once populated the heaven of the gods in ancient Greece. She sings the songs and verses about the heroes and thus places the laurel wreath on their heads - which is why it has become her attribute. The figure in her antique garb is cut in profile from the two-tone shell of a sea snail and is wonderfully detailed. The goddess's elaborate hairstyle with fine plaits and delicate curls is particularly artistic. A simple setting with a surrounding gold cord frames the depiction and makes it wearable as a brooch. The materials, workmanship and motifs make this piece from around 1880 a typical piece of gemstone jewelry from the Historicism period and transport us into the world of classical mythology. The brooch, which came to us from London, has been beautifully preserved to this day.

Estimate:$1,102.05

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