The early 19th century saw a special fascination in neoclassical revival, but where, oh where, did this fascination stem from? The Louvre opened to the public as a museum in 1793, with just over 500 paintings on view; but as Napoleon and the following crops of leaders lead cultural campagns, more and more collections were made available for public consumption. The sculpture wing of the museum was a close focus for the development of decorative arts in the 19th c., and this 1830's cameo, depicting Ceres, enthroned in two halos of pearls, exemplifies this focus beautifully-- especially as the result of a souvenir or grand tour acquisition, as the setting is English. The central figure of our Roman harvest goddess, stands in abrupt contraposto, with a cornucopia balanced on one hip, and a hand full of wheat extended over a ritual calix, held in a moment before perhaps burning the harvest. A beautiful amphorae is carved in half- translucence in the background. 

The figure here, I believe is a direct reference to the statues such as the life size statue of Livia as Ceres on view at the Hermitage, in the image appendix below.  

Materials and Features: Shell cameo, 18ct, pearls

Age/Origin: Estimated c.1830, English, fitting perhaps French or Italian cameo

Marks: -None-

Measurements: 1.5" in height

Weight: 12.3g

Condition: Overall, excellent condition, no significant condition notes. 

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.