Silver-Gilt, Gold, Carved Shell Cameo, Micromosaic and Seed Pearl Pendant, Nicolo Morelli, Early 19th Century

Centering an oval carved shell cameo featuring a Bacchanalian procession with a woman seated in a chariot drawn by two panthers accompanied by a male reveler drinking from a wine skin and a satyr brandishing clusters of grapes, signed N. Morelli, the surrounding frame of silver-gilt inlaid with a micromosaic of scrolling foliate motif with the initials N J below, probably for Napoleon and Josephine, and flanking doves towards the top of the frame, the gold pendant loop of later date with the letter 'J' accented by small seed pearls.  With fitted box.

There is a faint horizontal hairline fracture to the cameo towards the top of the stone across the necklines of the figures, the back marked '125'; note that at least five layers of the shell were carved to achieve the perception of depth, and the undercutting of the wheel is a testament to the extraordinary skill of this engraver. The micromosaic is intact, no tesserae missing. The silver-gilt mounting is tarnished due to oxidization from age.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Nicolo Morelli (1771-1830) a noted Roman gem engraver, was patronized by Napoleon I who viewed cameos as the embodiments of the classical ideal.  Napoleon founded a school for gem engraving and in 1805 established a Prix de Rome for this art form, which he regarded equal to paintings and sculpture. 

See L. Forrer, Biographical Dictionary of Medallist, Vol. IV p. 147 and Vol. VIII p. 76; and for other gems by Morelli see J.D. Draper, 'Cameo Appearances', The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Spring 2008, p. 42, nos. 88-89; and C. Gere, The Art of the Jeweller, A Catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift to the British Museum, Vol. I. p. 131, no. 86.