Details

A 19th century banded agate cameo and diamond pendant, by Gustave Baugrand,
the oval cameo finely carved to depict the bust length profile of Queen Elizabeth I in white and pale brown relief, wearing a diadem, an elaborate ruff, jewelled chain and necklace suspending a large cameo, to a dark brown ground with a raised contrasting oval border, the gold frame set with a line of old cushion-cut diamonds, the suspension loop similarly set, circa 1880, the cameo engraved to the reverse 'Elisabeth D'Angleterre' and signed G.Bissinger, the frame with applied plaque signed Baugrand, 7.0cm overall height.
See Illustration

Special Notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

Post Lot Text

The French jeweller Gustav Baugrand, made jewellery for Napoleon III as well as for many in his court circle. A photograph of Baugrand's display at the 1867 Paris Exposition shows the wide diversity of the styles that influenced him, at the rear of the cabinet is a monumental Egyptian figure and other jewellery and objects with analogous motifs as well as jewellery based on Louis XVI styles, and Renaissance inspired enamel examples. Georges Bissinger was an eminent 19th century gem-engraver working in Paris. He also exhibited in Paris in 1867 where he was awarded a silver medal. Examples of his work were loaned to the South Kensington Museum in 1872. The likeness of Elizabeth I in this pendant is based on several well known 16th century cameo portraits including the Barbor Jewel in the Victoria and Albert Museum and a large onyx cameo pendant in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. cf. H.Vever, La Bijouterie Française au XIXe Siècle, 1908, p.301 and Y. Hackenbroch, Renaissance Jewellery, 1979, p.293, fig.783A and p.294, fig.784