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
Layered quartzite
Brief description
Cameo of a Bacchante, probably Italy, layered quartzite, ca. 1850-80
Dimensions
  • Height: 0.93in
  • Width: 1.1875in
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.32-1937

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Record createdMarch 16, 2005
Record URL
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