Bonhams 1793 : Two Victorian shell cameo brooches (2)

The first oval cameo carved to depict the Greek god Zeus, King of Olympus, and his wife Hera, with an eagle and their son Hermes to the foreground, bordered by an openwork frame of C-scrolls, beads and foliage, the second cameo carved to depict a classical portrait in profile, bordered by a foliate scrolling frame, (some damage, later fittings), first brooch length 5.8cm. (2)

Sold for £1,125 inc. premium

Footnotes

In Greek mythology, Zeus was the god of the sky and weather, living in a palace above Mount Olympus, and supreme god in the Greek pantheon. Zeus is often depicted as a regal, bearded male wearing an olive leaf wreath, with an eagle to symbolise his strength and power. Hera, Queen of Olympus, wears a diadem as Queen of heaven. Hermes, their son, is depicted as a messenger of the gods, wearing a petasus (winged hat) and holding a caduceus, to symbolise peace, prosperity and commerce.

Category: Jewellery

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