This Victorian cameo brooch with an 18k yellow gold frame and outfitting weighs 32.1g and measures 55mm long, 47mm wide and 17mm deep. This artistically carved shell cameo depicts the endearing portrait of 'Cornelia', a Roman matron and her two sons 'Tiberius' and 'Gaius', carved 'en relief' against the pastel 'pink-and-white' background of natural shell. All delicate features of the three characters are impeccably carved with devotion to detail, including the visible expression of maternal love and protection on Cornelia's face as an affection-seeking glance is directed towards her while the other small and adorable child leans against the mother's knee, longing to have his share of maternal love. A delicately rendered tree in the distance amidst the hues of pink in the background creates the image of a peaceful sunset. This delightful, sentimentally inspired and meaningful Victorian shell cameo features a tri-dimensional 18k yellow gold ovular frame of unusual graduating width and semi-asymmetric format enhanced by a finely chased rim, engraved with the 'eagle's head' being a component of the French hallmark, indicating association with French artisanship. An original, well constructed hinged pin and C-shaped hook secure this alluring Victorian shell cameo brooch stamped with a French eagle denoting the gold standard.
Cornelia, a character from ancient Rome (circa 189-110 B.C) and frequently cited in neoclassical literature, was the daughter of Scipio Africanus, the famous Roman commander who defeated Hannibal. She married the Consul Tiberius Gracchus and two children were born to them. These were the famous Tiberius and Gaius, commonly known as the 'Gracchae', promoters of a celebrated agrarian reform that was responsible for their death. Cornelia became a widow at a young age, yet renounced another marriage in order to dedicate herself completely to raising her two sons. The Roman historian Valerius Maximus narrates that one day Scipio's daughter is visiting together with her two children a Roman matron. When the woman proudly displays her precious jewels and asks Cornelia to show hers, Cornelia points to her sons and exclaims: "Here are my jewels"...
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