A fine agate cameo mounted in a gold bracelet. Personification of Silence.
Bezel 19 x 23 mm; diam. 40 mm circa; gr. 43,78
The figure is depicted from behind, with the bust in three-quarters, partially draped with a raised arm and a finger on the mouth. Particularly refined execution, with an extraordinary rendering of the anatomic details of the face and back. Mirror finish polish. The stone is surrounded by 32 diamonds. The elegant gold bracelet has a band with smooth or engraved chain. Allegorical figure to symbolize Silence, inspired by the divine figure of Harpocrates. There are rare variations of this cameo, present in the Tassie cast impression and classified as "Harpocrates, resembling Antinous" in the version with shorter or longer hair. Other comparisons: cast in transparent glass Grand Tour Era (manufacture to be identified, private English coll.); sardonic cameo in pendant with pearls and diamonds, Guy Ladrière glyptic collection. For comparisons: D. Scarisbrick, C. Wagner, J. Boardman, The Guy Ladrière collection of gems and rings, p. 74 n. 76; Tassie footprints n. 385 (Burch).
Cameo: 18th century. Bracelet: Late 19th century - early 20th century.