Large Gold Pendant with Shell Cameo after Antonio Canova, Italy c. 1845

A Beautiful Dance Group

Large Gold Pendant with Shell Cameo after Antonio Canova, Italy c. 1845

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

The fresco depicting the Three Graces was a sensation when it was uncovered in Pompeii in 1759: the mural, which had been buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, had miraculously survived intact. It shows the three Graces, the daughters of Zeus, dancing together. Their names are Euphrosyne (cheerfulness), Thalia (festive joy) and Aglaia (the shining one). Since its discovery, the fresco has been widely distributed in printed reproductions and quickly became known to a broad public. The shell cameo from the 1840s shown here also depicts the Dance of the Three Graces, but it does not follow the depiction of the Pompeian fresco, as one might initially assume. Although the piece was almost certainly created in the Bay of Naples, i.e. in the immediate vicinity of the original, the cameo is based on a famous work of Neoclassical sculpture. The model for our cameo is a relief by Antonio Canova from 1797. Canova, one of the most respected sculptors of his time and probably the most important representative of classicism, shows in his relief the three Graces dancing in front of Mars, the god of war, and Venus playing loudly. In comparison to the Pompeian model, Canova turns the central figure on its own axis in order to show all three dancers frontally, giving the scene considerably more momentum and grace. Flowing robes and a wreath of roses above the head of the central figure are further additions that can also be found in our cameo. This piece of jewelry bears witness to the 19th century's longing for antiquity and enthusiasm for Roman art. Originally intended as a brooch, it was reworked into a pendant at the end of the 20th century, with the pin removed. We immediately took this impressively large piece of jewelry to our hearts - and who wouldn't want to be accompanied by grace, splendor and festive joy?

Size & Details

A Beautiful Dance Group

€ 980.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

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You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

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A Beautiful Dance Group

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