Cameo
(history)
< Previous----Next>
The cameo tradition began around 300 BC in Egypt. Cameos were originally carved
out of volcanic lava and other hard stones. At different times, both men and
women have worn cameos depicting gods, goddesses and mythology, Biblical events,
rulers and heroes, and of course, beautiful women. During the Renaissance,
Pope Paul II was such an avid collector and wearer of cameos that the many
cameo and gem rings he wore caused a chill which spread from his hands and
eventually caused his death. It was not until the 19th century, with the popularity
of shell cameos, that the female profile became prevalent. Made from glazed
red earthenware clay, the back of this limited edition piece displays the
artist's signature stamp and the LQP chop mark, 1 1/8" high.
