Cameos

A cameo is an image of a small scene or figure raised higher than it's background and carved from one material.  Also known as a low relief carving.

Cameos date back to 300BC in Alexandria, Egypt where they were carved into rock to record events and information.  The Greeks and Romans depicted images of gods and goddesses in their cameos.

Most of the cameos we see today were inspired by the romantic elegance of the Victorian Era and were carved in sea shells.  They were used in brooches, hair pins, earings and necklaces.  The favorite piece of jewelry of many women during this time period.  And lately seem to be enjoying a popular resurgence!

This necklace was a Christmas gift from Anthropolgie.

 

A cameo sits on top my favorite clove scented soap purchased a few years ago in Charleston,S.C.

It may suprise some to learn throughout history cameos have also been worn by men.  Cameos have been used on military helmuts, swords and accessories.  Cameos often depicted heros and rulers.  During the Renaissance, Pope Paul II was an avid collector and wore many cameo rings.  Napoleon even wore a cameo to his wedding.  During the 18th century men used cameos to signal their prestige and culture.

Rings by Amedeo

Another less familiar type of cameo is the giant cameo.  These have been spotted in decor and add the most beautiful, unexpected, elegant quality to a room.  I have the following three images saved in my "best of the best" favorites file!

Designer Nina Griscom's Manhattan Townhouse-House & Garden, Photographed by Simon Watson

 

These were used by Grant Gibson in the San Francisco showhouse bathroom he designed.  Grant is 6'4.  I mention this in order to provide a reference of the size of these 18th-century Italian marble cameos he selected for the space!  Images courtesy of  Grant K. Gibson.  And, Tradtional Home-March 2007 Photographs by Michael Venera

      Want a cookie? Image courtesy Romantic Homes-March 2010