Western Europe, Italy, Neoclassical period, ca. early 19th century CE. Signature on lower left periphery. A gorgeous signed agate cameo by Italian engraver Giuseppe Girometti (1780 -1851) featuring a skillfully sculpted image of Tuccia, the Roman Vestal Virgin who was accused of adultery and proved her innocence by carrying water in a flat, perforated basket without any falling to the ground through the sieve. The elegant beauty strides right, her flowing robes swirling around her in graceful wisps, perhaps alluding to the flowing nature of the liquid she carries, as she turns to her right, looking down at the shallow basket. The strap of her peplos teasingly slips down her right shoulder, almost exposing her bare breast. Note the artist's careful attention to detail in each billowing fold of the cascading fabric, as well as the Classical features of her visage and the intricate twists of her chignon. Easily set into a pendant, ring, or brooch for a stunning, wearable piece of history! Size: 1" L x 0.7" W (2.5 cm x 1.8 cm)

Giuseppe Girometti was an accomplished engraver and works by him can be found in many renowned collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), the Vatican Museums, and the British Museum. In fact, a slightly larger cameo by Giuseppe Girometti sold for 12,600 GBP (equivalent to $17,427.06 at that time) at Sotheby's London as lot 65 on July 15th, 2021 ("Small Wonders: Early Gems and Jewels") and another in a gold frame went for 27,500 GBP (equivalent to $33,665.50 at that time) as lot 143 at Bonham's London on October 13th, 2016 ("Jewellery").

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

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#178146

Signature on lower left periphery. Miniscule nick to lower right periphery, but otherwise intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail.