19th-Century Openwork Wreath Frame

Description

The Museum’s collection includes a detailed cameo bust (ca. 1835) of President Andrew Jackson, carved out of helmet-conch shell by George W. Jamison (American, died 1868), who worked as a cameo cutter in New York between 1835 and 1838 and exhibited his “Conchylia portraits” at the National Academy. The cameo is mounted in a frame with a black enamel border and a multicolored gold wreath, which was made by metalworker William Rose (American, active 1839–50). Our graceful frame is adapted from the original nineteenth-century pattern. The removable paper within the frame features Asher Brown Durand's (American, 1796–1886) painting Mrs. Winfield Scott (ca. 1831).

Pewter, with 18K matte-gold overlay. Gift boxed. 8 3/4'' x 6 3/4''; holds a 4'' x 6'' photo.

Art History

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the art of cameo cutting enjoyed a revival, as “cameo fever” swept through Europe and England. Exotic materials such as helmet-shell and queen-conch shell were favored for cameos; by cutting through the shell’s layers to reveal contrasting colors, skilled craftsmen could achieve detailed portraits or miniature scenes.