Cameo

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Cameo*, created around 1835 by George W. Jamison and Rose, captures the refined artistry of early American decorative objects. Carved as a profile portrait of a man, it exemplifies the neoclassical revival popular in the United States during the 1830s, when cameos evoked the grandeur of ancient Roman gems. Displayed in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this small jewel (just 2½ x 2¼ inches) highlights the era's fascination with classical profiles, often worn as brooches or pendants by the fashionable elite. Crafted from a helmet-conch shell—a durable, iridescent marine material prized for its layered colors—the cameo showcases masterful intaglio carving techniques. The artists layered gold and enamel to enhance details, creating striking contrasts between the raised figure and recessed background. Such shell cameos were labor-intensive, requiring precision to exploit the shell's natural hues for lifelike skin tones and clothing. As a rare surviving example of American cameo production, this piece underscores the burgeoning skill of U.S. artisans in competing with European imports. Acquired through the Susan and Jon Rotenstreich Gift in 2000, it invites visitors to appreciate how everyday luxury objects preserved personal likenesses and cultural aspirations in antebellum America.

About the Artist

George W. Jamison|William Rose (American| ) · 1810 |1839 –1868 |1850

American, New York 1810–1868 Yonkers, New York|active 1839–50