Rare Shell Cameo With the Muse Erato in Gold Setting, England ca. 1890

Between rose bushes in full bloom, a figure sits with crossed legs and writes intently on a blackboard. A dove approaches in flight. It is Erato we see depicted here in fine cut, the Greek muse of love poetry, made clear by the roses and the dove classically assigned to the goddess of love. Erato's name shares its origin with that of Eros, the god of love. The Italian shell cameo with the unusual motif was probably carved at the Bay of Naples, where it was probably acquired as a souvenir in the late 19th century. The setting comes from England, it is made of slightly reddish gold with a fineness of 15 carats, which was only used until 1932. The muse emerges brightly above the dark rosy ground and captivates the viewer with her calmness and grace. The well preserved cameo found its way to us from London. As a wearable testimony to classical education, the cameo is more than decorative and even today a gift of love of the first rank.

Estimate:$1,338.2

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