Italian, early 19th century | Cameo with Faustina

The quality of this beautiful cameo is particularly high and worthy of one of the leading Neoclassical engravers. The quality and style is arguably close to Nathaniel Marchant (1739-1816) who is known for his intaglios, but is recorded as having carved cameos (though none have been identified). Marchant worked in London and Rome and was a pupil of Edward Burch, exhibiting at the Royal Academy between 1781-1811. George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough was one of Marchant's most important early patrons. The engraver was later made 'Sculptor of Gems' to the Prince of Wales and then 'Chief Engraver to His Majesty' in 1799. He later became Engraver to the Royal Mint and at the Stamp Office.