Carnelian Gemstone with a Bucolic Scence

Pink wax cameo depicting winged Eros on the back of a rearing hippocamp emerging from the waves, set on a black composite backing with a glass frame. 2.32 grams, 24 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Finely modelled with a black-and-white enamelled mask, the features animated by rose-cut diamond eyes and a small ruby set into the open mouth; the head framed by a serrated gold collet and flanked by silver foliate clusters each set with a further rose-cut diamond; the shank formed as asymmetrical rococo scrolls with pierced and chased detailing throughout, the reverse of the bezel open, revealing white enamel engraved with faint traces of an original posy inscription. 2.28 grams, 21.10 mm overall, 17.45 x 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)

The enamel remains entirely original and unrestored.

Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13321-257909.

Though now largely worn, the underside of the bezel would likely have borne a concealed love sentiment, comparable to the formula Je cache mes amours ('I mask my love'), found on related rings of mid-18th-century manufacture. The theme of the masked lover, drawn from contemporary masquerade culture and its associations with flirtation, secrecy, and clandestine courtship, here transforms the jewel into a witty and intimate token.

Lid set with a large rock crystal cabochon; gilded interior; sides engraved with a continual Renaissance interlace and similar to the base; small French duty mark to the front of the base of the box and to the rim of the lid. 65 grams, 59 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.