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A late 19th Century lava stone bracelet, circa 1860
Further images
Designed as a series of lava stone cameos each carved as a Classically-inspired portrait, including Medusa, Bacchus and subjects inspired by depictions of Classical theatre actors, Italian circa 1860 -...
Designed as a series of lava stone cameos each carved as a Classically-inspired portrait, including Medusa, Bacchus and subjects inspired by depictions of Classical theatre actors, Italian circa 1860 - 1890, mounted in gold. Length: 17.4cm, width: 2.5cm. Weight: 65.5 grams
Note:
A trend which began at the end of the 18th Century in response to the wave of interest in the art of the Ancient world referred to as the Neo-Classical period, by the end of the 19th Century so called 'Grand Tours' of Italy had become a staple of the sophisticated traveller's itinerary, as well as an essential right of passage for artists and scholars.
Whilst travel was becoming less arduous as railway structures began to snake their way across the continent, it was still very much a luxury reserved for the wealthiest global class and the mementos reflected this.
Carved lava stone jewellery was an erudite choice as it combines both a Southern Italian volcanic stone admired for the reference to Pompei as well as the more obvious references that the carvings themselves displayed. This is a particularly beautiful example of the genre in both tones and subject matter and would have been proudly worn as proof of both the status of travel but also of knowledge of the Classical world.
Note:
A trend which began at the end of the 18th Century in response to the wave of interest in the art of the Ancient world referred to as the Neo-Classical period, by the end of the 19th Century so called 'Grand Tours' of Italy had become a staple of the sophisticated traveller's itinerary, as well as an essential right of passage for artists and scholars.
Whilst travel was becoming less arduous as railway structures began to snake their way across the continent, it was still very much a luxury reserved for the wealthiest global class and the mementos reflected this.
Carved lava stone jewellery was an erudite choice as it combines both a Southern Italian volcanic stone admired for the reference to Pompei as well as the more obvious references that the carvings themselves displayed. This is a particularly beautiful example of the genre in both tones and subject matter and would have been proudly worn as proof of both the status of travel but also of knowledge of the Classical world.
