About this lot

Description

the winged female figure is seated on clouds, holding a book, a lyre and with a nimbus of laurel leaves, the attributes of Poetry; on either side of her is a putto, each bearing a tablet inscribed 'Numine Afflatur' from Virgil (who is represented by the carved bust under her left arm), meaning 'inspired by the Spirit', the oval cameo is collet set to an open ribbon and ropetwist mount, brooch fitting with safety clasp, later hinged bale; length of pendant with bale 7.6cm, length of shell 6.2cm

Footnote: Other notes: Some of Raphael's most famous works are the frescoes he painted in the Stanza della Segnatora, in the Vatican. The composition of this cameo is based on a tondo (therefore round) on the ceiling, one of four, which was painted in circa 1508-11 - the Latin quotation is from Virgil's Aeneid. The room is painted on all sides, as well as the ceiling, with scenes of classical and Christian inspiration to embody Truth, Good and Beauty; the other allegorical figures on the ceiling depict Justice, Theology and Philosophy.

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