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1 of 253523 objects
Orpheus playing to the beasts Cameo late 16th c. Mount c. 1640 with 18th c. additions
Onyx: white on translucent pale grey; black shellac backing (missing on some pieces); open gold petal-like mounts with white enamel ‘petals’ with black dots, white enamel reverse, suspension loops, rings and smaller lateral loops to left and right | 2.0 x 2.3 cm (with fittings) | RCIN 65748
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Cameo depicting Orpheus playing to the beasts: part of a set of eight onyx cameos of mythological and agricultural scenes mounted on gold and enamel petal-like mounts. The lateral side-loops on the 17th century mounts suggest that they may have formed the links of a chain or were intended to be worn as dress ornaments.
The pendant loops and rings are probably late 18th century additions.
Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008Provenance
The set is probably identifiable with the ‘many cameos, small set in enamel as if designed for buttons’, listed by Horace Walpole in his 1763 addenda of ‘Other pictures & Curiosities’ of the late Queen Caroline, consort of George II, at Kensington Palace.
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Creator(s)
(enameller)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Onyx: white on translucent pale grey; black shellac backing (missing on some pieces); open gold petal-like mounts with white enamel ‘petals’ with black dots, white enamel reverse, suspension loops, rings and smaller lateral loops to left and right
Measurements
2.0 x 2.3 cm (with fittings)
1.2 x 1.6 cm (cameo)
Category
Place of Production
Milan [Lombardy]
