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.
