Nineteenth Century Cameos (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Until now , there has been no book available which explains the characters and scenes depicted on nineteenth century cameos, inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. Michele Rowan has produced a fascinating guide to help the reader identify these mythological subjects, and to explain their significance in Victorian times. Straightforward information is also provided on the materials and tools used by cameo-carvers, many of whom were Italians producing souvenirs for the tourist trade. Some of the most eminent gem-engravers signed their work and examples of their superb craftsmanship are illustrated and discussed. The detailed captions include current values, and the author has also produced a useful guide for the collector on purchasing and caring for cameos and what to look for when starting a collection. An invaluable reference book for collectors, dealers and anyone interested in the cameo as a beautiful piece of jewellery which has a story to tell.

About the Author

Michele Rowan has been buying and selling cameos in her shop in Antiquarius, London, for fourteen years. A history graduate from Sydney University, she is a member of LAPADA and the London Japan Antique Dealers' Association.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 134 pages
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Dist A/C (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185149393X
• ISBN-13: 978-1851493937
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,042,979 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful color photographs, high end cameos, May 9, 2008

By	N. B. Miyauchi (WestchesterCounty, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This really is a wonderful addition to the unfortunately small number of sometimes iffy books on cameos currently available. Though it generously contains 134 color plates and is so well presented, I only wish it was longer. Thankfully, it does not waste your time with photos of junky, mass produced modern cameos. These are all important, Georgian and Victorian cameos, fine examples in hardstone, shell, coral, tortoiseshell, lava, jet, jasperware and ivory to train your eye toward picking out the very best at high-end antique venues. The author, a London antique jewelry dealer, has a website, (rowanandrowan), which contains many beauties, if you want to see more. This is a book I will often enjoy browsing through, especially since I am not wealthy. Price guides are notoriously undependable, especially for one-of-a-kind, rare items, and the location of your find can wildly affect the price you can expect to pay. This book is not a price guide, though it occasionally includes a price in UK pounds. (Many of the cameos are privately owned or in museum collections that you might not easily visit, but are of a high-end type occasionally still found in odd places, estate sales and auctions by the avid cameo hunter.) It depicts primarily Greek and Roman mythological subjects in very clear color photos with concise overviews of the myths and identifying information. Additionally, there is a small collection of portrait cameos that does not include, thankfully, the ubiquitous, anonymous ladies' heads. These are portraits of famous Victorians, Lord Byron, Florence Nightingale, and a Victorian portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots. Of interest to me are wonderful, deeply carved ivory portrait cameos of the poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the novelist, Elizabeth Gaskell. There is a short 2 page section referencing eminent carvers who signed their cameos in an effort to differentiate their work from real antiquities. If I could wish for anything, it would be for the author to expand her book in the future with even more examples of the lovely and unusual cameos that have passed through her hands. I recommend this book as a small indulgence to serious fine cameo collectors. Antique Collectors' Club books can be depended on for quality information and wonderful color photography.