Silenus Cameo: late 16th c.; Mount: 17th c.
Onyx: grey and white; open silver-gilt mount with suspension loop | 1.4 x 1.9 cm (cameo) | RCIN 43774
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Cameo depicting a figure lolling drunkenly on the back of an ass and flanked by two attendants.
The scene is based on Roman reliefs of Silenus, a follower of the wine god Dionysus. It is of a type frequently found on the decorative mounts of hard stone vases by the Milanese Saracchi workshop.
Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008Provenance
First recorded in the Royal Collection in 1872
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Medium and techniques
Onyx: grey and white; open silver-gilt mount with suspension loop
Measurements
1.4 x 1.9 cm (cameo)
