Northern Europe, Neoclassical, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Inscribed "Verge / JEK" on verso. An impressive, hand-carved agate cameo of Mars - Greek Ares - the Roman God of war set in an intricate gold and enamel brooch. Shown in profile, the helmeted deity faces left, exhibiting a naturalistic eye, an aquiline nose, and gently parted lips enveloped in the thick coils of a short beard and mustache. Luscious, wavy locks of hair pour out from the back of his helmet, sitting just above the discoid fibula of his toga. The handsome god is carved into creamy white agate, reminiscent of Classical marble sculptures and Neoclassical plaster casts, nicely complementing the blush pink hue of the background. The elaborate brooch features a gold frame that surrounds the lovely cameo, comprised of openwork floral motifs and tubular designs, all embellished with red and blue enamel. Size (brooch): 2" L x 1.6" W (5.1 cm x 4.1 cm); (cameo): 1.4" L x 0.9" W (3.6 cm x 2.3 cm); gold quality: 91% (equivalent to 21K+); weight: 23.2 grams

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#159445

Inscribed "Verge / JEK" on verso. Intact, excellent, and wearable.