Not currently on display at the V&A

Cameo

19th century (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
Materials and techniques
Shell cameo
Brief description
Cameo, Cupid on a sea monster, Italy, 19th century
Dimensions
  • Width: 15mm
  • Height: 13.5mm
Credit line
Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.
Object history
Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.
Subjects 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.41-1937

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Record createdMarch 12, 2009
Record URL
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