Hercules
Cameo
ca. 1750-1780 (made)
ca. 1750-1780 (made)
Artist/Maker |
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. In Greek mythology, Hercules was a heroic figure who personified strength and courage. As a penance for killing his own children in a rage, he had to perform the Twelve Labours. Here he is shown resting, holding aloft his club and wearing the skin of a lion, his two main attributes.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Hercules (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Carved shell |
Brief description | Shell cameo of Hercules, ca. 1750-1780 |
Credit line | Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA |
Object history | Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh, F.S.A. |
Subjects 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. In Greek mythology, Hercules was a heroic figure who personified strength and courage. As a penance for killing his own children in a rage, he had to perform the Twelve Labours. Here he is shown resting, holding aloft his club and wearing the skin of a lion, his two main attributes. |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.19-1937 |
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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | January 12, 2004 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest