Earring
ca. 1870 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
These earrings have cameo portraits of classical female heads. A cameo is a carving in relief, often exploiting the natural layering and contrasting colours of the stone.
Ancient heads and mythological scenes were copied or adapted from antique gems. Ladies had their portraits made, in classical or Renaissance dress. Subjects were drawn from literature, contemporary sculpture or paintings.
Ancient heads and mythological scenes were copied or adapted from antique gems. Ladies had their portraits made, in classical or Renaissance dress. Subjects were drawn from literature, contemporary sculpture or paintings.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Gold, with rose-cut diamonds and onyx cameos |
| Brief description | Gold earrings with onyx cameos of classical female heads, possibly USA, about 1870. |
| Physical description | Earrings with cameos of classical female heads |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by the American friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | These earrings have cameo portraits of classical female heads. A cameo is a carving in relief, often exploiting the natural layering and contrasting colours of the stone. Ancient heads and mythological scenes were copied or adapted from antique gems. Ladies had their portraits made, in classical or Renaissance dress. Subjects were drawn from literature, contemporary sculpture or paintings. |
| Other number | 51 - Goldstein Collection number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.108:1, 2-2007 |
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| Record created | April 24, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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