Head of a Youth
Cameo
1830-1850 (made)
1830-1850 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Shell cameos are much easier to cut than those made from gemstones. Also, the raw material is cheaper and easier to acquire. They were popular in the 16th century and then again in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the passion for carved gemstones led to a parallel explosion in the market for cheaper shell cameos. They are still popular today. This head, wearing an animal skin, depicts either Hercules or his lover Omphale.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Head of a Youth |
| Materials and techniques | Shell |
| Brief description | 19th century |
| Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh, FSA |
| Object history | Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Shell cameos are much easier to cut than those made from gemstones. Also, the raw material is cheaper and easier to acquire. They were popular in the 16th century and then again in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the passion for carved gemstones led to a parallel explosion in the market for cheaper shell cameos. They are still popular today. This head, wearing an animal skin, depicts either Hercules or his lover Omphale. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.24-1937 |
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| Record created | January 12, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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