Head of Hercules 1830 - 1865

This cameo, carved from a single piece of layered agate, depicts the profile of the Greek hero Hercules. The artist, Maria Elisa Pistrucci, was a renowned cameo carver, working in the 19th century. Pistrucci was an accomplished artist who utilized the natural beauty of the agate to create a delicate yet striking image of the legendary figure. The cameo, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, represents a classic example of the art of cameo carving, where the artist uses the contrasting layers of the stone to create a three-dimensional relief sculpture. Pistrucci's work reflects a mastery of the technique and a deep understanding of classical mythology.