Cameo Ring Representing Empress Marie-louise

Finely chiseled yellow gold ring, the band and the bezel decorated with three concentric rows, the last of which forms a laurel wreath in relief. In the center, cameo in hard stone (chalcedony/red carnelian with white layer), finely sculpted in female profile: hair tied up in a curly bun, pearl necklace around the neck, draped garment. The iconography bears a very strong resemblance to the official portraits of Empress Marie-Louise of Austria (1791-1847), second wife of Napoleon I. Under the Empire, the engraving of cameos with her effigy, just like that of Josephine, was very fashionable and widely distributed in aristocratic and imperial circles, as a symbol of dynastic alliance and imperial legitimacy.• Ring size: 55 (Ø 17.5 mm – US 7¼)• Inside: 1.75 cm• Period: 19th century• Condition: perfect, clean carvings and intact cameoComparisons: similar examples kept at the Louvre Museum (agate cameos with the effigy of Marie-Louise, inv. OA 12757) and in various imperial collections, presenting the same stylistic characteristics (ideal profile, pearl necklace, raised hairstyle).Probably a commemorative piece from the 19th century.