Exceptional c18th hardstone portrait cameo of the Archaic Greek poet Sappho set to a later 18 carat gold ring. c.1760. A sensitive portrayal utilising the natural features of the blush pink and grey speckled agate with fine detail to the hairstyle and dress. The quality of the carving is reminiscent of the circle of carvers working in Rome in the mid c18th that included Anton Pichler (1697-1779) his sons Giovanni (1734-1791) and the much younger Luigi who only retired in 1850. Minor surface fissure to the left of the neck which does not penetrate the stone. Size 7, 11 grams. Cameo 1 inch by 1/2inch across. Sappho(630 – c. 570 BC)from Eresos on the island of Lesbos, is known for her lyric poetry, written to be sung while accompanied by music. In ancient times she was widely regarded as one of the greatest lyric poets and was given names such as the "Tenth Muse" and "The Poetess".
