Italian, circa 1800 | An Exceptionally Large Cameo with the Head of Bacchus

Chenel collection, Paris

This large cameo is remarkable for the way in which the head of Dionysos projects almost fully from the plane of relief. It is carved with beautiful detail, particularly in the hair, adorned with vines, and in the leopard's skin. Such large and complex cameos are rare. Note, for example, the Head of Laocoön published in D. Scarisbrick (et al), The Art of Gem Engraving, exh. cat. Hakone Open-Air Museum and Fukuoka City Museum, 2008, no. 297.