Luigi Rosi Antique Victorian Pendant Brooch gold hardstone cameo sgn Psyche(7582)

Antique Victorian brooch pendant. 14k yellow gold, hardstone cameo. Made in Rome, Italy 1886.  Signed and dated by Luigi Rosi. 
 

Measurements:

Weight is 4.3 grams. A little over a US size 7. 

Description :

Oval cameo in oval gold frame mount that serves as both a brooch and a pendant. 
The cameo depicts the goddess Psyche , seen in profile. Her curly locks are piled on her head, Grecian style. Beautiful features, shown off to best advantage. A hint of diaphenous robes. The pose shows her wings, which are her identifying feature. KPsyche was usually depicted with butterfly wings, a symbol of the soul, transformation and the journey towards enlightenment. Butterflies were also considered a symbol of the soul. 
The hardstone is in 3 layers: not visible unless we turn it over and look at the back is a bright orange, carnelian color. The ground of the cameo is a greyish-purple and Psyche is carved from the white section of the stone.  
A broad band of gold with a rope-twist border forms the simple mount. Simple loop for threading a chain and wearing as a pendant; simple hinged pin with secure c-clasp. 
An almost identical cameo of Psyche by Luigi Rosi is in the Metropolitan Museum (Object Number: 40.20.51). Other cameos by the same artist are also in the Metropolitan Museum as well as other museums.

Marks and Metal:

14k engraved on bottom of gold mount (slightly worn). Engraved on the back: Luigi Rosi Rome 
Piaza di Spagna 86. L Rosi is engraved on the front, left hand side of the cameo.  
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

Like other accomplished Roman cameo carvers, lapidiaries, engravers and goldsmiths, Luigi Rosi had his workshop near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps in Rome. He is particularly well-known for his representations of Classical Roman and Greek figures and gods.