George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland thumbnail 1

George IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland

Cameo
1825-1850 (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

Categories
Object type
TitleGeorge IV, King of Great Britain and Ireland (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Layered agate, in copper-gilt mount
Brief description
Cameo, layered agate, in copper-gilt mount, of George IV, by Giuseppe Girometti, Italy (probably Rome), ca. 1825-50
Physical description
George IV, facing left, with laurel wreath.
Dimensions
  • Height: 6.2cm
  • Width: 4.6cm
Credit line
Given by the Dowager Viscountess Mersey
Object history
Given by the Dowager Viscountess Mersey, in 1959.
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.
Bibliographic reference
Trusted, Marjorie, ed. The Making of Sculpture. The Materials and Techniques of European Sculpture. London: 2007, p. 148, pl. 285
Collection
Accession number
A.7-1959

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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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