Ariadne, by Nathaniel Marchant RA (1739 - 1816)
Mounted in gold as a ring, London circa 1770

One of very few cameos by Marchant, probably from before his move to Rome in 1772. Interestingly, the mount is identical to those used for his later (Rome) works, but it is thought these were sent to Isaac l’Advocaat in Grafton Street, London, for mounting.

The finesse in the way the hair cascades , and the features of the face, are entirely typical of his work and demonstrate why he had the reputation of being Britain’s greatest gem engraver.

Exhibited:
Multum in Parvo, a collection of engraved gems
Wartski, London, 1st-7th October 2019