Lot 598
- 598
An agate cameo, probably of Emperor Alexander I, Antonio Berini, circa 1815
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Agate, gold
- 3.1cm, 1 1/4 in.
facing sinister, gold pendant mount, the truncation signed Berini
Condition
Excellent condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Antonio Berini (1770-1861) was born in Rome and studied under Giovanni Pichler before moving to Milan, where he worked for Count Caprara and Count Sommariva. Outspoken in his political views, which were anti-monarchist, Berini was tested when Napoleon proclaimed himself King of Italy in 1805. Caprara gave Berini a precious stone and asked him to cut a portrait of Napoleon which would be presented to the Emperor-King following his upcoming coronation on 26 May 1805 at Milan Cathedral. When the cameo was finished, it was noticed that a linear inclusion in the stone ran the width of Napoleon's neck and resembled blood. As a precaution, Berini was jailed until after the coronation festivities were over.
A rock crystal intaglio portrait of Emperor Nicholas I from the late 1820s engraved by Berini is in the Hermitage, and a sardonyx cameo of Napoleon circa 1805 carved by Bernini (apparently without any political statement) is in the British Museum (inv.💙 no. 1978/1002.998).