A fine renaissance onyx cameo set in a gilded silver brooch. Head of Medusa.

16th century (cameo); ...

A fine renaissance onyx cameo set in a gilded silver brooch. Head of Medusa.

16th century (cameo); 18th century (mounting).

Stone 22 x 25 mm; mounting 42 x 48 mm; 16,30 gr.

Almost frontal head of Medusa, slightly in three-quarters to the left. The eyes are expressive with pupil engraved and a dramatic look; the mouth is slightly open, the forehead wrinkled, the hair wavy and engraved with great refinement. The head is sculpted in high relief, with mastery, on a two-layered agate. The whitish pink background is characterized by stripes. Beautiful Renaissance work inspired by hellenistic Greek art, set in a later chiseled and gilded silver brooch. The metal pin is missing in the backside. Chipping on the nose.

Provenance: UK private collection.