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A museum-quality mid-19th century Grand Tour cameo brooch.
This large Sibyl cameo is carefully carved by an Italian master carver from carnelian shell and mounted in an 18K gold custom-made filigree bezel. The bezel is finely chased around the cameo.
The Sibyl is shown in a thoughtful pose while writing on a scroll with a feather quill, symbolizing her role as an ancient prophetic figure. 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 pin stem is made of 10K gold for added durability. The original C clasp was replaced with a gold-filled secure clasp in the early 1900s, as was customary for continued use.
Total weight is 25.2 grams.
Excellent antique condition commensurate with age.
The cameo is carved after the celebrated 1647 painting by Guercino (Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, 1591–1666), now preserved in the Capitoline Museums in Rome.
The subject represents one of the classical Sibyls — legendary prophetic women of antiquity widely depicted in Renaissance and 19th century Grand Tour art. Such figures were admired as symbols of wisdom, foresight, and divine inspiration, and were especially popular subjects for finely carved Italian cameos.
