**Originally Listed At $500**

Western Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th century CE. A stunning shell cameo, expertly carved with a lively Bacchic scene of a maenad - a female follower of Bacchus the god of wine - and Cupid - the god of desire and erotic love - ecstatically dancing to the music of an aulos played by the pastoral god Pan, shown in his traditional half-goat half-man form. The mythical female is shown bare-chested, her flowing drapery blowing in the wind as she throws up both arms, playing a tympanum in one hand and holding a sash in the other. Cupid plays the cymbals beside her, next to an amphora atop a baluster and pan flute tied to the branch of a tree. Pan sits on a stone to the maenad's other side with a playful pup featured below him. All is delineated in pearly white shell, beautifully contrasted by the pink background. A delightful Bacchic scene, rich with Classical iconography and artistic virtuosity, easily set in a necklace, bracelet, or brooch for a gorgeous, wearable piece of history! Size: 1.25" W x 1" H (3.2 cm x 2.5 cm)

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.

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

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#178158

Minor areas of patina to upper left side, but otherwise intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail. "TM" inscribed on verso.