A Roman emperor
Cameo
ca. 1570-1580 (made)
ca. 1570-1580 (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 portrait can be identified as a Roman emperor by the characteristic laurel wreath.
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Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | A Roman emperor |
| Materials and techniques | Carved shell, on slate backing |
| Brief description | Shell cameo of a Roman emperor, probably German, ca. 1570-1580 |
| 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 portrait can be identified as a Roman emperor by the characteristic laurel wreath. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.36-1937 |
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| Record created | January 12, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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