Fine quality shell cameo depicting a bust of Minerva or Pallas Athena c.1840.Carved in Bull's Mouth conch in a simple gold frame with ropework detail. 2 1/2 by 2 inches.Condition excellent.
 Cameos such as this example were made in the Classical style in Italy throughout the c19th and brought back by Grand Tourists, who went there to visit the  antiquities and archaeological sites. Minerva, known as Pallas Athena in Greek mythology, was one of the major deities, the daughter of Jupiter. In one of her main aspects, that of goddess of war, she fights for just causes and is shown in armour, with shield, spear and helmet,her aegis adorned with the head of the Gorgon.