"Uomini illustri" bracelet
Jewellery
2023.7.4.6.JW.BR.C1870.IT
Description
Silver bracelet made of six oval volcanic lava cameos depicting "uomini illustri", seven great artistic figures from the Middle Ages to the 17th century : Nicolas Poussin, an unknown man, Raphaël, young Salvator Rosa (?), Dante, an unknown priest. The bracelet has a push-in clasp and a safety chain.Volcanic lava cameos were hand carved in the lava of Vesuvius which erupted in 79AD destroying Pompeii. Made in Naples, they were a typical souvenir of the "Grand Tour" for the aristocracy in the 19th century. "Uomini illustri" series were a specific production of these lava cameos, displaying painters, poets, intellectuals who all lived in Italy. These cameos were set on bracelets or inkwells. In some examples, names of the men are even inscribed on the back of each cameo.
Materials
LavaSilver
Origin
vers 1870 Naples, ItalyDimensions
Width : 0.5 cmLength : 19.5 cm
Height : 3.5 cm