A 19th century banded agate cameo and gold ring

A 19th century banded agate cameo and gold ring

Description

A 19th century banded agate cameo and gold ring depicting Apollo, attributed to Luigi Saulini (1819-1883), the oval shaped cameo depicting the bust of Apollo from Apollo Belvedere, measuring approximately 2.6 x 2.3cm, Roman-set in a gold mount with scrolled shoulders and reeded tapering shank, circa 1850, finger size N, measuring 3.3 x 2.5cm, gross weight 17 grams.

Luigi Saulini (1819-1883) learned hardstone and shell carving from his adopted father, Tommaso Saulini (1784-1864). Luigi inherited his father’s business and in 1860, engraved the portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was awarded a medal at the Universal Exhibition for his artistry. Luigi’s carvings are largely inspired by contemporary and ancient statuary. This cameo bares a striking similarity to a cameo parure currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The carvings in this parure were done by Luigi Saulini, featuring a cameo brooch depicting a carving of Apollo.
This cameo is modelled after the Apollo Belvedere, the celebrated Roman statue, which now lives in the Vatican Museum. God of oracles, healing, music and arts, Apollo is often depicted with a lyre, or bow and arrow. Historians speculate that the Apollo Belvedere is meant to be depicting Apollo slaying the monstrous serpent Python, having just loosened the fatal arrow.
This cameo depicts the bust of the statue, delicately carved with wonderful details to the hair and robe. Carefully mounted in a gold shank, the warmth of the gold creates a wonderful contrast to the black and white of the cameo.