DATE: Victorian, c.1840

A sublime early Victorian shell cameo depicting Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, vegetation, the moon, chastity, and childhood. Daughter of Zeus and Leto, and twin sister of Apollo (to the Romans she was known as Diana), Artemis was particularly popular amongst the rural populace who worshipped her as a wild goddess of nature, often found dancing through forests, mountains, or meadows accompanied by her nymphs. An exceptional huntress, her respect for wild animals extended to their protection as well as killing. She famously delivered her twin as a one-day-old infant, first helping her mother cross from Ortygia to Delos before guiding her through 9 days of labour - thus acquiring her position as guardian of young children and patron of women in childbirth.

True to form, the ancients cast the twins Artemis and Apollo with perfectly opposing characters - two sides of the same coin, as it were. Her wildness and (infamous) temper* contrasting with his propensity for reason and high-culture, particularly music and scientific thought. They were unrivalled archers, credited with inventing the bow and arrow, and enjoyed hunting together above pretty much anything else.

The brooch is a great size, and the frame features gold pommels and scrolled embellishments at the compass points. It dates from the 1840s.

*see the demise of Actaeon

MEASUREMENTS  

4.7 x 3.6cm

WEIGHT 

8.5g

MARKS 

Stamped 9ct gold

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age