$13,035
Antique Sardonyx Cameo and Amethyst Brooch, Domenico Calabresi, Rome, the three-layer carving depicting Mars drawn by two steeds in a chariot with images of warring figures driven over scrolling clouds, within a frame of circular-cut amethysts, 14kt gold and silver mount, signed (C)ALABRE(SI), lg. 2 in., boxed, (small losses). Note: A hardstone cameo depicting Mars and his lover Venus in Vulcan's net, signed in the same manner, is held in the collection of The British Museum. The gem engraver Calabresi, long believed a master of the Renaissance, appears in fact to have been an early 19th century artisan engraving in the classical manner but using the work of contemporary sculptors such as Thorwaldsen as his source of subject matter. Mars cameo one horse has loss to front leg first and last letter of signature lost Please note that the frame is set with purple pastes, although there are a couple of amethysts.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-03-17
