17th Century Athena Hardwood Cameo Brooch lapis Pliny and Aelian write about

Pliny and Aelian write about the stag being able to lure the snake out of hiding with its breath

Stone: Rubies (0

The 15 carat gold shines buttery bright and gives the piece a surprising heft

The head features a fluted dish back

warrant it as 18 carat

17th Century Athena Hardwood Cameo Brooch lapis Pliny and Aelian write aboutA rare and remarkable hardwood cameo brooch depicting Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of War, Wisdom, and Handicrafts. The wood, likely oak, has been stained a deep chestnut brown, and set into a 19th century silver brooch mount, but the cameo itself is older, probably French, dating from the late 17th century. A warrior goddess and protector of cities, Athena was closely associated with Nike, goddess of victory, although unlike Ares, also a war