Northern Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 18th to early 19th century CE. A stunning, hand-carved agate cameo of ovoid form set in a gold brooch. Sculpted from creamy white agate that nicely contrasts the rich grey background, the beautiful cameo displays the image of Cupid - Greek Eros - the Roman god of love riding a biga led by a pair of rearing lions. Facing left, the charming, winged deity grasps the reins of his fierce felines with 1 hand, while raising a crop in the other. The male and female lions lunge forward on their hind legs, driving forth the riding child. An abstract gold border of swirling palmettes further adorns the gorgeous cameo. Size (brooch): 1.7" L x 1.1" W (4.3 cm x 2.8 cm); (cameo): 1.1" L x 0.8" W (2.8 cm x 2 cm); gold quality: 75% (equivalent to 18K); weight: 11.3 grams

The Neoclassical period saw immense northern European interest in the Classical world, in part inspired by the budding science of archaeology. Artists looked to the deep past for inspiration but brought an imaginative sensibility to their depictions of it. The motif of Cupid riding, taming, or subduing a lion or lions was popular in both Classical and Neoclassical art as the image of the god of love triumphant over such a ferocious beast was intended as an allegory for the notion that "love conquers all," or in the original words of Virgil "omnia vincit amor."

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#159448

Inscribed "9489 / eurz" on verso. Intact, excellent, and wearable.