"SHAKESPEARE" Grand Tour Carving

Carved bust in miniature :

A 'grand tour' carving in full round, with fine detail, in miniature.

19th century, possibly region of Pompeii, Italy, circa 1850-1880's.

On fine gold 'twist' stickpin, done on the original site, or soon after on the traveler's return

Shakespeare's likeness has never been authoritatively established, in spite of widely reproduced images, thus has been variously interpreted. In the 2nd half of the 1800's, not only the English revered Shakespeare, but also the artists and composers of Italy.

Natural hardstone of the chalcedony family, selected for its "lava" color tone, with natural banding

Gold tested : 18k

Gross weight : .23 troy oz

L : overall 3-1/2" (pin alone, 2-1/2")

# j 21001 ....................................................................................................................................................... $ 485.