Antique Victorian Cameo Brooch, the oval conch shell cameo carved in high relief and depicting a Bacchante. Applied arch motifs to the gold frame and signed MACKAY to the reverse. 18ct yellow gold. Weight 32.7 grams. Length 6cm. Width 5cm. Safety chain attached.

Cameos were a very popular jewellery item throughout the Victorian period, and subject matter often derived from classical Greek & Roman sculpture. Prices charged for cameos varied greatly and importantly this enabled a wide cross section of society to enjoy them. Wearing a cameo implied not so much wealth but knowledge and learning. Many cameo subjects were derived from Classical sculpture from the Greek & Roman world. In 1851, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell wrote to her daughter “Be sure you take care of MY cameo brooch. I find you have got it; now I only lent it to you and I value it extremely, and would not have it lost on any account”

Condition: Good antique condition. The cameo has no cracks or damage. There is some verdigris to the pin and a lining panel visible only from the back. See additional images.