"La Bella Simonetta" Cameo

720.00 €

About this product:

Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci by Alessandro Botticelli, 1476

 

Simonetta Vespucci 1453-1476

"Muore giovane chi è caro agli dei" 

"Those who are dear to the gods die young"
 
Simonetta Vespucci was an Italian noblewoman, one of the most famous of the Renaissance. 
It was loved by Giuliano de 'Medici, the younger brother of Lorenzo the Magnificent,
 and idolized by Sandro Botticelli, who made it his Muse, making it eternal in his most famous paintings.
 We find it, in fact, in the guise of the goddess Venus in the Birth of Venus or in one
 of the Three Graces (the one in the center) in the allegory of Spring.
 She was also a muse for many other artists, among whom Piero di Cosimo distinguished himself, 
who painted the Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci, in which she is depicted as Queen Cleopatra, 
with an asp that surrounds her neck.
 
Genuine hand carved shell cameo
Shell: Cassis Madagascariensis
Cameo Size:  50 mm
Our creations are furnished with certificate of authenticity

The art of cameo carving

The art of cameo craftsmanship is an ancient form of relief engraving, also known as glyptics, on shells and gemstones, representing an artistic tradition that has captivated humanity for centuries, back to ancient Greeks. This refined technique involves creating raised images, with a darker or colored layer contrasting against a lighter background. Cameos are often used to adorn jewelry, such as pendants, rings, and brooches, but also to embellish artworks and clothing ornaments. 

Beauty and expressive power

Even today, cameo carving is done by hand, continuing to enchant jewelry enthusiasts and collectors, embodying an extraordinary blend of artistic mastery and timeless beauty. It is an ancient art form that serves as a testament to the style and history of the era in which it is created, requiring remarkable skill and precision to depict minute details and craft a highly precious object, whose outstanding artistic and artisanal quality comes to life in the hands that created it.

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