A Gold and Shell Cameo Brooch, Saulini, circa 1830

depicting William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858) in profile looking left, in a decorative foliate frame, brooch fitting, pendant hook and stand, signed Saulini. F, later brooch fitting and stand

Crazing to shell, surface reaching on reverse of brooch, visible with magnification and naked eye. Signature on the surface 'Saulini F' Probably Luigi Saulini 1819-1883, son of Tommaso Saulini 1793-1864. Slight scratches and nicks to the surface of cameo and mount consistent with age and wear. In good condition. CF: Becker, Vivienne, Antique & Twentieth Century Jewellery, London, 1980, pp. 149 – 150. The work of Luigi Saulini (1819-1883)is described as representing the best of nineteenth century cameos. He learnt hardstone and shell carving from his adopted father, Tommaso (1784–1864) retailing from a successful shop in the Via del Babuino in Rome.
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