18th C. Neoclassical Gold Enamel Brooch Agate Cameo

Northern Europe, Neoclassical, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Inscribed "Verge / JEK" on verso. An impressive, hand-carved agate cameo of Mars - Greek Ares - the Roman God of war set in an intricate gold and enamel brooch. Shown in profile, the helmeted deity faces left, exhibiting a naturalistic eye, an aquiline nose, and gently parted lips enveloped in the thick coils of a short beard and mustache. Luscious, wavy locks of hair pour out from the back of his helmet, sitting just above the discoid fibula of his toga. The handsome god is carved into creamy white agate, reminiscent of Classical marble sculptures and Neoclassical plaster casts, nicely complementing the blush pink hue of the background. The elaborate brooch features a gold frame that surrounds the lovely cameo, comprised of openwork floral motifs and tubular designs, all embellished with red and blue enamel. Size (brooch): 2" L x 1.6" W (5.1 cm x 4.1 cm); (cameo): 1.4" L x 0.9" W (3.6 cm x 2.3 cm); gold quality: 91% (equivalent to 21K+); weight: 23.2 grams

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, before 2010

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#159445
Condition Report: Inscribed "Verge / JEK" on verso. Intact, excellent, and wearable.