Under The Sign Of Beauty And Creativity: Second Empire Shell Cameo

Large size for this cameo representing the goddess Thalia in Greek profile. Beautiful quality of execution in low relief for this oval medallion, 18-carat gold rim (horse's head hallmark) with delicate work treated like a link chain, mounted as a brooch. Gross weight: 24.1 grams. After 1850, this type of cameo was in high demand as a souvenir of the Grand Tour, often made in Italy, they were made from a two-layer sea shell. This cameo seems to have been carved from one of the best known and sought after shells for quality cameos whose first layer is whitish and the second layer orange-brown, it is commonly called red helmet. It represents the goddess Thalia whose attributes are the mask, the crown of ivy... In Greek mythology, Thalia, daughter of Zeus "the Joyful, the Flourishing", is the Muse who presides over Comedy, festive celebrations and banquets. rich and luxurious. This jewel brooch, very fashionable in its time, was worn in the center of the bodice or the collar, it is the reflection of an era of pleasures (the “imperial celebration”), the Second Empire is in fact a period of prosperity for the Parisian theaters whose revenues broke records during the two Universal Exhibitions (1855 and 1867). If Offenbach and Labiche triumph on the private stages (then called “secondary”), the regime maintains, for reasons of prestige, the quality of the shows offered by the official theaters (Comédie-Française, Odéon, Opéra, Opéra-comique). I am attaching in the photos, to enhance the description, a portrait of the 19th century French actress Madeleine Brohan wearing a cameo. We can start dreaming and imagine this cameo offered to an artist, actress from the end of the 19th century... It will make another person happy, I'm sure. I will then offer delivery to mainland France.