Nectar of the Gods

Antique Hardstone Cameo of Hebe Mounted as a Locket Brooch, c. 1880

€ 1,690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Antique Hardstone Cameo of Hebe Mounted as a Locket Brooch, c. 1880

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

European culture in the 19th century was characterized by a cult of friendship and sentiment, which was also reflected in jewellery. People exchanged locks of hair, which they carried with them in the form of pieces of jewelry, and ascribed friendly and romantic meanings to certain gemstones and jewelry motifs. Around 1870, the locket in particular became a favorite, as it could be used to safely store photos, locks of hair and letters. Depending on taste and budget, the jewelry manufacturers and goldsmiths of the time produced a wide variety of pieces in tombac, silver or gold. This locket is particularly elaborate and can be worn as a brooch or pendant. A solid gold frame is decorated with an applied meander band and fine gold beads, thus demonstrating the formal language of the so-called archaeological style. At the center of the design is an artfully cut, detailed hardstone cameo, on the back of which the personal gem can be stored behind glass. Cameos were very popular throughout the 19th century; as in our case, they usually depict mythological figures or ancient deities. We see a young woman in flowing antique garb. She is carrying a large bowl in her hands. The figure depicted is Hebe, the cupbearer of the Olympian gods. Here she is serving a bowl of ambrosia, the food of the gods. We enclose an image of the goddess from J. Moyr Smith: Ancient Greek Female Costume, London 1882, which also shows her with a carafe of nectar. The hardstone was probably cut in Idar-Oberstein Germany, then the leading stoneworking centre of Europe.The beautiful locket is very well preserved.

Size & Details

Nectar of the Gods

€ 1,690.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

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Nectar of the Gods

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