Very rare and unusual cameo depicting, I believe, Muse KLEIO (Clio), who was one of the nine Mousai (Muses), the goddesses of music, song and dance. In the Classical era, when the Mousai were assigned specific literary and artistic spheres, Kleio was named Muse of history. In this guise she was represented holding an open scroll or seated beside a chest of books. Her name was derived from the Greek verb kleô, “to make famous” or “celebrate.”
Made in 19th century. This is cameo spinner. The back was probably decorated with hair or a photograph, but now it’s just a cardboard there. The metal is probably tombac covered with gold double.
Dimensions: 6,5×5,5 cm / 2,6×2,2in
Weight: 27,3gr.
Age: antique (19th cent.)
Condition: good antique condition. Small metal element is absent on the top.
The box is used for demonstration brooch only.
