Cameos

Cameos have been used historically as pieces of personal jewellery - from signet rings, earrings, and insets on collars, to objets d'art for larger carvings. Cameos can be made from gems, glass or shells that have been carved in relief. The earliest cameos were made in Greece as far back as the 3rd century BC, with the Farnese Tazza (cup) the oldest major Hellenistic piece still surviving. Cameos have been popular at different points throughout history such as in Ancient Rome and during the early Renaissance period. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the popularity of cameos were also inspired by Emperor Napoleon and Queen Victoria. Below is a selection of cameos from collections across South-West Scotland.
2 Fmedia2 F12822202 Fclassical figure cameo2
Cameo of a Classical woman's head
2 Fmedia2 F12828932 Ftiara
Cameo of woman's head with tiara
2 Fmedia2 F12822252 Foval uncut cameo
Oval uncut cameo
This object shows what a cameo would have looked like before it was carved.
2 Fmedia2 F12822002 Fround uncut cameo
Round uncut cameo
This object shows what a cameo would have looked like before it was carved.
2 Fmedia2 F12822152 Fclassical figure cameo1
Cameo of Classical figure with a helmet
2 Fmedia2 F12821952 Fcherub crocodile
Agate cameo
This cameo is made of agat, and features a cherub and crocodile.
2 Fmedia2 F12821852 Fgirl s head
Cameo of girl's head
2 Fmedia2 F12821902 Fcherub s head
Cameo of cherub's head
2 Fmedia2 F12822102 Fwoman s head cameo
Cameo of woman's head
2 Fmedia2 F12821752 Fjasper cameo
Cameo of a Classical figure
This cameo features a Classical figure. It may be made from jasper.
2 Fmedia2 F12821802 Freligious cameo
Cameo of religious scene
This cameo features a Christian scene, with the infant Jesus holding a cross. The cameo is carved on
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