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A museum quality mid 19th century Grand tour cameo brooch. Large Sibilla Persica cameo is carefully carved by an Italian master carver from a carnelian shell and mounted in 18K gold custom made filigree bezel. The bezel is fine chased next to the cameo. The Sibilla is thoughtful while writing on a scroll with a feather pen. The cameo measures 2 5/8" X 2 3/16" (67 X 57 mm).
The cameo has scribed letters on the back, possibly the carver's signature.
The frame is made of 18K gold (acid tested). The needle is made of 10K gold for more durability. The original C clasp apparently was replaced with gold-filled secure C clasp when the latter was invented in early 1900's
Total weight is 25.2 grams.
Excellent antique condition commensurate with age.
The cameo is made after the paining of Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, Cento 1591 - Bologna 1666, Bolognese school of the 17th century) painted in 1647 for the Governor of Cento Carlo Rondinelli. The painting is now in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. The Persian Sibyl – also known as the Babylonian, Chaldaean, Hebrew or Egyptian Sibyl – was the prophetic priestess presiding over the Apollonian oracle.
