Victorian Saint Cecilia Cameo Brooch
An extraordinary antique neoclassical cameo brooch, depicting Saint Cecilia (also spelled Cecelia). It's from the mid Victorian period, circa 1860, with an intricately carved, curved bull's mouth shell set in a simple 9 carat rose gold mount.
Victorian Neoclassicism was a style of historical design inspired by the art and architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome, with many of the upper and middle classes embarking on a "Grand Tour" to the Mediterranean, fuelled be a greatly renewed popular interest in the region's ancient ruins and culture. What is unique about this cameo, is that rather than depicting a Greek or Roman deity, as was the fashion and what is mostly seen in cameos from the time, it portrays the Christian martyr and Saint, St Cecilia, although heavily stylised in a neoclassical fashion.
Cecilia was an early Christian martyr born in 200 AD Rome and patron saint of musicians, often shown with a lyre or violin, as depicted here. She was known for her strong Christian values, such as faith and charity and for converting a number of notable Roman nobles, including her husband, the previously pagan aristocrat Valerian. She is said to have sung in her heart to God on her wedding day, which is why she became known as the patron saint of musicians. She was executed for her faith, but after struck three times on the neck with a sword she continued to live for three days. Fellow Christians buried her body in the Roman catacombs, but she was exhumed in 1599 where body was found still incorrupt, seeming to be only asleep. Her feast day is celebrated on the 22nd of November and the occasion of many concerts and music festivals.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Size: 3.5cm by 4.6cm
Stone: Bull's Mouth Shell
Marks: None present, tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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