Shell Cameo Representing An Angel, 19th Century

Marine shell cameo representing an angel – Italy or France, circa 1850-1880.

This beautiful oval cameo, carved from a natural shell, represents an angel seen in profile, hands clasped in a gesture of prayer. The curly hair, detailed wings and draping of the garment are skillfully and delicately executed.
The material, a warm-hued marine shell, allows for beautiful plays of light: when the cameo is placed against the light, the silhouette appears almost transparent, highlighting the finesse of the engraving and also allows one to see the absence of accidents.
This handwork is typical of 19th-century Italian workshops, which made these pieces to be worn as jewelry or kept as sentimental objects. It may also be the work of one of the many workshops in Beauvais (Oise) specializing in these small objects made from organic materials.
The angel, turned towards the invisible, evokes peace, protection or memory, in a spirit very close to the romantic sensibility of the time.
Condition: very good, no chips or accidents.