Western Europe, probably Italy, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th century CE. An attractive trio of agate cameos, each finely carved with Classical imagery: 1 featuring the bust of Athena and the 2 more petite displaying draped maenads. First, the largest of the 3 shows Athena - Roman Minerva - the Greek goddess of wisdom and war wearing a helmet and a toga as she faces right with long hair cascading down the nape of her neck to her shoulders. Alternatively, the other 2 display maenads - female followers of Dionysus (Roman Bacchus) the Greek god of wine - portrayed traditionally in a state of ecstatic frenzy through a combination of dance and intoxication. One of the raving females stumbles forward with her chest exposed as she feasts upon grapes held above her head with one hand and grasps a chalice of wine in the other. Size of largest (Athena): 0.5" W x 0.9" H (1.3 cm x 2.3 cm)

The other maenad is depicted in a lively pose with both arms held over her head as she plays a tympanum and twirls about with her robes spiraling around her. All can be easily set into a pendant, ring, or earrings for a wearable piece of history.

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

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#178143

All are intact and excellent with nicely preserved detail.