Antique
jewelry and other fine antique items from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian
eras
E-mail Darlene
Victorian cameo brooch of Zeus and
Ganymede
Reference #: 9227
Status: for sale
Dimensions: 2.25 inches by 2.5 inches
Condition: excellent, no damage or restoration; no cracks or crazing
Year: 1860-80
Price: $625
Description: Large Victorian shell cameo with a rare carving depicting the legend of Zeus and Ganymede. The ornate setting is in perfect condition and is rose gold filled.
To see other images of this item, please click on
the thumbnail photos below:
About the legend of Zeus and Ganymede: Ganymede was a Trojan prince and the most beautiful mortal on Earth. Zeus saw Ganymede and fell instantly in love with him. He transformed Ganymede into an eagle and then took him to Mt. Olympus. There Zeus' beloved served as cupbearer to the gods. Ganymede was happy and loved by all except Hera, wife of Zeus. Much tragedy came from Hera's hatred of Ganymede. Later, Zeus put Ganymede in the sky as the constellation Aquarius, which is still associated with that of the Eagle (Aquila).