Cameo Art - Athena Goddess of War

Fine Horned Helmet shell cameo of Athena portrayed as 'Roma' with the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus on her helmet.  The carver has used the layers of the shell to create a very detailed three dimensional portrait of Athena.  The gold filigree frame is enhanced by four small white pearls (untested).

The cameo is late Victorian and in excellent condition, apart from a stressline on the reverse of the shell which does not penetrate through to the front.  The brooch measures 6.5cm (2.6 inches) in length and 5.5cm (2.2 inches) in width and has a secure clasp.

Athena was the daughter of Zeus and in Greek mythology she was goddess of War and Wisdom.  She was a virgin goddess and was patron of weaving and other crafts, as well as patron of Athens.  Her most famous temple is the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens.

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