Vintage Gold Ring with Antique Shell Cameo of a Bacchante, c. 1880 & 1960

This vintage ring, which we date to around 1960, presents a shell cameo from the end of the 19th century. Depicted in profile is a young lady with flowing hair, adorned with a rich wreath of vine leaves. A simple gold frame holds the cameo, which is around three generations older. A five-part goldsmith's setting, formed from small, solid gold wires, makes it wearable as a ring. The sitter is a so-called Bacchante, a follower of the Greek god Dionysus, who was famous and infamous for his lavish festivals - the so-called "Bacchanalia". The image of the Bacchante in Western art history is strongly influenced by the form that the originally Greek cult took in Roman antiquity. The Roman Bacchanalia probably originated from spring festivals. From the 2nd century BC, these cult celebrations developed into excessive feasts with dancing, music and erotic freedom - often held in secret and later banned by the Roman authorities for a time. In later centuries, the bacchante became a symbol for a fun-loving, free woman - and for the joy of sensual experience. This expressive piece of jewelry is therefore particularly suitable as a gift for someone who is devoted to the pleasures of life - and wants to take the symbol of an ancient festival with them into their everyday life.

Estimate:$880.73

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