Netherlandish, late 15th century

the case with a label inscribed: Collection: C.W. KING. 1865 Trinity college, Cambridge

Charles William King, London, until 1888

Overall the condition of the cameo is very good with dirt and some minor wear to the surface consistent with age with some particular dirt in the crevices. There was possibly a loss on the top left which was polished, perhaps already at the time of the making. The gold mount has wear, some scratching, and warping and denting throughout. There is a join in the gold on the lower left side. The reverse of the cameo is visible and shows that a particularly beautiful piece of agate with a burst of crystalline inclusions at its centre was used. The wooden case has some scratching to the surface. There are chips to the edges around the lock. There is a split to the wood coming off the hole for the lock. The button for the lock was lost, meaning that the case needs to be forced open if closed completely. The velvet lining is worn throughout.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

King was a famed Cambridge gemmologist whose early reference works Antique Gems and Rings (1872) and A handbook of engraved gems (1866) were amongst the most respected scholarly works on the subject in the second half of the 19th century. During sojourns in Italy and on the London market King acquired 331 antique gems himself, most of which now form the core of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. This large cameo compares closely to a mother-of-pearl relief in the Hermitage (inv. no. K1638) and relies in part on contemporary prints such as Martin Schongauer's St. Veronica. The style of carving is echoed in a cameo with the Pieta illustrated by Scarisbrick (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
Treasures of Catherine the Great, exh. cat. Somerset House, London, 2000, p. 108, no. 149; D. Scarisbrick et al., The art of gem engraving. From Alexander the Great to Napoleon III, exh. cat. Hakone Open Air Museum and Fukuoka City Museum, Fukuoka, 2008, no. 215