Bust of a man in a wig, possibly a writer

Art Historical Context

This delicate sardonyx cameo, carved as a bust of a man an elaborate wig—possibly a writer—dates to the 18th century andails from probably French workshops. Mounted in gold as a ring, it measures just 1 × 11/16 inches for the cameo itself, transforming a tiny gem into wearable portraiture. Such lapidary works, classified as gems in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, were prized jewels of the Enlightenment era, blending artistry with personal adornment. Crafted from layered sardonyx, the cameo employs the intaglio technique in reverse: artisans skillfull...