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

Bacchante

Cameo
1850-1880 (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
TitleBacchante (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Malachite
Brief description
Cameo of a Bacchante, malachite, probably Italy, ca. 1850-80
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, FSA
Object history
Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.
Subject depicted
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.29-1937

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 16, 2005
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest