Lot 182
- 182
ONYX CAMEO AND PEARL BROOCH, NICOLO MORELLI, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- onyx, pearl, gold
The oval onyx cameo depicting the painter Raphael, signed N. Morelli, within a later brooch mount set with half pearls, French assay and maker’s marks, one pearl a simulant.
Literature
Cf.: Diana Scarisbrick et al, The Art of Gem Engraving, from Alexander the Great to Napoleon III, Hakone Open Air Museum, Japan, 2008, pg. 241, no. 302-306, for a comparable group of portraits of five Renaissance masters by Morelli's contemporary Giuseppe Girometti.
A comparable cameo of Raphael is also recorded in the collection of Bartolommeo Paoletti, no.30, now in the Musei Capitolini, Rome.
A comparable cameo of Raphael is also recorded in the collection of Bartolommeo Paoletti, no.30, now in the Musei Capitolini, Rome.
Condition
Brooch pin and catch stamped with French assay marks for 18 carat gold, French maker's mark LS. Cameo signed N. Morelli for Niccolo Morelli. Onyx very deep brown and white, opaque. Carving in good condition. Half-pearls white to light grey body colour, with green and rosé overtones, scratches and unevenness to nacre surfaces, one pearl replaced with a simulant. Light scratches to stone, metal and nacre surfaces consistent with age and wear. Cameo measuring approximately 30 x 24mm, gross weight approximately 13.9 grams.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
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. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
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
Please note that the half pearls have not been tested for natural origin.
Nicolo Morelli (1771-1838), was a Roman gem-engraver, whose patrons included Napoleon I and the Bonaparte family.
Nicolo Morelli (1771-1838), was a Roman gem-engraver, whose patrons included Napoleon I and the Bonaparte family.