Like the phoenix, frontally or in profile, incised or in relief, cameos and intaglios transcend the ages, always being reborn and leaving their imprint.
Gold snuffbox, lid inlaid with a neo-classical oval intaglio on agate probably depicting the Apotheosis of Bonaparte or Napoleon I, master goldsmith Adrien Jean Maximilien Vachette (1753-1839), Paris, 1794-1797. Box: 7.5 x 5.2 x 2.8 cm/2.95 x 2.04 x 1.10 in; intaglio: 5.2 x 3.5 cm/2.04 x 1.38 in. Paris, Drouot, December 10, 2021, Fraysse & Associés OVV. Mr. Charron.
Result: €86,360
At the end of the Roman Empire, intaglios and cameos were put into the drawers of history until the Gothic period, when, in a quest for classical antiquity, they made a timid reappearance. The return of classical grandeur ushered them back into fashion during the Renaissance and the 17 th century before they reflected the eclecticism of the 19 th . Today, many institutions and collectors seek them out. The exhibition at the musée des Arts joailliers in Paris of Guy Ladrière’s rare collection until October 1st offers a beautiful opportunity to see them and leaves no stone unturned.
Nicola Morelli (1771-1838), neck medallion adapted to a brooch with a two-layered agate cameo the bust of Emperor Napoleon I in profile in an ancient style, head and cloak entirely paved with diamonds, yellow gold setting, First Empire, 4.8 x 3.3 cm/1.90 x 1.30 in. Fontainebleau, December 9, 2018, Osenat OVV. Mr. Dey. Result: €325,000
The Range of Materials The time is long gone when the word "cameo" referred to the charming brooch that our grandmothers and old aunts wore on the lapels of their impeccable suits. They were usually made of shell, a soft material that appeared late. The glyptics arts is the demanding art of carving small works on carnelian, jasper, chalcedony, rock crystal, agate and precious stones using two methods: intaglios are incised or engraved into the stone, while cameos are in relief.…
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