DOI Heft:
Nr. 342 (November 1925)
DOI Artikel:A group of shell cameos
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19986#0142
inceRnACtonAL
mmm
SMALL CAMEO- PHOEBUS IN HIS CHARIOT Courtesy of Museum of Natural History
A CJROUP OP SHPLL 6AMP0S
tn view of the high place Three largest Specimens ornaments in the guise of
/ Greek sculptors occupy / •// / / • •/ brooches, necklaces and
J- ■ ^ r • . r r . • known illustrate exquisite T r * t ■ i r r j
in the history oi plastic • . bracelets ol single or linked
art it is not at all surprising art of Neapolitan Workers in cameos this art has had re-
it was among the artists of fa^ modern cameo material curring fashionable use, and
that land there should have few are the families today
been developed a special who do not have examples
class of cameo cutters who elevated their work to of cameo cutting preserved in repositories for
a character and a quality placing their designs keepsakes to be brought into wearing now and
carved in hard stones securely among pieces safely again in connection with a frock worn at some
to be characterized as art objects for all future costume party. Within so clearly defined a field
time. The Hellenic cameo cutters came to their as is this it is doubtful if any special type of
recognized place after the day of the great Prax- jewelry has so long a life as has the cameo,
iteles. Their work, carved in relief on the surface It has had its lapses, naturally, in fashionable
of colored stones imported from the East—the and artistic favor and often for considerable
directly opposite method of intaglio in which the periods of time. But the cameo has a way of
design is carved into the material used, was much inevitably coming back and when it does its appeal
in demand not only for personal ornaments but is so very strong and so widespread that not infre-
also for the embellishment of vases, cups and quently there is a revival, of artist's interest which
other objects of household use. makes for almost a rebirth of the art. A notable
The durable qualities of the material used in renaissance of this kind took place in Italy in the
cutting these cameos as well as their popularity, fifteenth century and since then the cutting of
resulting in a very large output of these works, cameos has never completely died out, particu-
has preserved many of the antique gems for us Iarly among the popular tourist towns and cities
in museums and private collections. As personal of the western coast.
one jorty-two
NOVEMBER i925
mmm
SMALL CAMEO- PHOEBUS IN HIS CHARIOT Courtesy of Museum of Natural History
A CJROUP OP SHPLL 6AMP0S
tn view of the high place Three largest Specimens ornaments in the guise of
/ Greek sculptors occupy / •// / / • •/ brooches, necklaces and
J- ■ ^ r • . r r . • known illustrate exquisite T r * t ■ i r r j
in the history oi plastic • . bracelets ol single or linked
art it is not at all surprising art of Neapolitan Workers in cameos this art has had re-
it was among the artists of fa^ modern cameo material curring fashionable use, and
that land there should have few are the families today
been developed a special who do not have examples
class of cameo cutters who elevated their work to of cameo cutting preserved in repositories for
a character and a quality placing their designs keepsakes to be brought into wearing now and
carved in hard stones securely among pieces safely again in connection with a frock worn at some
to be characterized as art objects for all future costume party. Within so clearly defined a field
time. The Hellenic cameo cutters came to their as is this it is doubtful if any special type of
recognized place after the day of the great Prax- jewelry has so long a life as has the cameo,
iteles. Their work, carved in relief on the surface It has had its lapses, naturally, in fashionable
of colored stones imported from the East—the and artistic favor and often for considerable
directly opposite method of intaglio in which the periods of time. But the cameo has a way of
design is carved into the material used, was much inevitably coming back and when it does its appeal
in demand not only for personal ornaments but is so very strong and so widespread that not infre-
also for the embellishment of vases, cups and quently there is a revival, of artist's interest which
other objects of household use. makes for almost a rebirth of the art. A notable
The durable qualities of the material used in renaissance of this kind took place in Italy in the
cutting these cameos as well as their popularity, fifteenth century and since then the cutting of
resulting in a very large output of these works, cameos has never completely died out, particu-
has preserved many of the antique gems for us Iarly among the popular tourist towns and cities
in museums and private collections. As personal of the western coast.
one jorty-two
NOVEMBER i925