Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery

Judgement of Paris

Cameo
1580-1600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

An intaglio carving is cut into the surface of the material and a cameo is in relief. The art of gemstone carving was known in ancient Greece and Rome and revived in Renaissance Italy, when connoisseurs began to form rich collections of engraved stones. Shell cameos, which were cheaper and more easily worked, became fashionable in the 19th century. Many were bought by tourists as souvenirs.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleJudgement of Paris (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Lapis lazuli, in silver-gilt mount
Brief description
Cameo of the Judgement of Paris, lapis lazuli, Italy, ca. 1580-1600
Credit line
Given by Alfred Jones
Summary
An intaglio carving is cut into the surface of the material and a cameo is in relief. The art of gemstone carving was known in ancient Greece and Rome and revived in Renaissance Italy, when connoisseurs began to form rich collections of engraved stones. Shell cameos, which were cheaper and more easily worked, became fashionable in the 19th century. Many were bought by tourists as souvenirs.
Collection
Accession number
A.85-1918

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Record createdMarch 16, 2005
Record URL
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