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The History of the CameoThe history of the cameo is a long and storied one. Cameos, as engravings, date back to as early as 3000-3500 B.C. in the forms of scarabs and other small engravings on hard stones. To Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations first and the Agean one later, carved scarabs on different stones to symbolize the Beetles which were worshipped as symbols of the Sun but also of manly courage.Cameos from the Roman Imperial times are very similiar to the cameos we see today. The 1st Century A.D. was a time of great wealth, civilization and style. Emperors and the rich clans of the time would collect engravings of mythological scenes and portraits of important members of their family. The collecting of old Greek engraved gems, once exclusive to the royal families, became popular and a sort of status symbol in Roman society at the time. However, Cameos were not only used as a symbol of wealth, but also as a vow of love. For instance, they were given to travelers and also to men going to the army service. This popular taste for cameos, contributed to the promotion of cameo-engraving techniques. From the end of the Roman Empire, in the 5th century, and for about 900 years the denial of any form of idolatry by all the religions caused a marked depression of engraved works. The Renaissance fostered a rebirth of cameo artistry. After centuries of dedicating the arts to the religion--the inspiration is the ancient classical idea of art. Cameos became the most sought after jewel by Queens and Princesses throughout Europe. We can still admire the portraits of Marie Caroline, Queen of Naples; Princess Borghese; Duchess de la Rochefoucaulde; and ultimately Queen Victoria--all wearing several cameos in their tiaras, necklaces and even belts. Leave The History of the Cameo to Discover the Art of Cameo Carving
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