Ca. 1700-1800 AD.
A beautiful cameo portraying a right-facing bust of the ancient Greek god Apollo, who was regarded as one of the most important deities in the Greek pantheon. As the god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy, Apollo was revered for his many talents and virtues, which were celebrated in art, literature, and religion throughout the ancient Greek world. The artist who carved this cameo has depicted Apollo with great skill and attention to detail. Apollo's face is characterized by large, expressive eyes, which convey a sense of intelligence, wisdom, and clarity. His nose well-proportioned, and his lips are small and understated, emphasizing the natural beauty of his features. The artist has also paid careful attention to Apollo's neck and chin, which are gracefully contoured and suggest a sense of strength and athleticism. One of the most striking aspects of the cameo is the elaborate headdress that Apollo wears, which secures his wavy and abundant hair. This headdress is likely intended to symbolize Apollo's role as a patron of the arts and music, as well as his association with the sun and light. The cameo is mounted onto a simple and elegant gold brooch setting, which serves to highlight the beauty and sophistication of the carving. The simplicity of the mounting reflects the neoclassical emphasis on clean lines and understated elegance, which was a hallmark of the period's art and design.
Size: L:41.2mm / W:34.5mm ; 9.06g
Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.