Lot 348
348
A gold-mounted double cameo vinaigrette
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A gold-mounted double cameo vinaigrette

CIRCA 1810, POSSIBLY ENGLISH, UNMARKED

Details
A gold-mounted double cameo vinaigrette
circa 1810, possibly English, unmarked
Oval, the cover with a cameo of the Emperor Augustus with laurel wreath, the interior of the cover with a cameo bust of the Empress Livia, the inside rim inscribed 'Arthur', the base and sides engine-turned, with pierced diaperwork grille
1 5/16 in. (33 mm.) long
Provenance
With Richard Digby, London, £1,350.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The Emperor Augustus (27 BC-14 AD), a founder of the Pax Romana, was concerned with establishing stability and peace in his empire. The legislation and social policy he enacted throughout his reign displayed a regard for morality and virtue particularly in relation to marriage and children. His image and that of his wife the Empress Livia, would therefore be a particularly appropriate decoration for a vinaigrette possibly intended as a marriage token.

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