Cameo c. late 18th century

This small, undated cameo at the Art Institute of Chicago was created by James Tassie. Carved into a pale, off-white material, the oval format frames a man's face with a beard. This piece exudes a formal balance and symmetry. The face is strikingly frontal. Tassie employed delicate carving, yet the execution appears somewhat crude. Details such as the hair and beard are rendered with simple, repetitive lines, and the eyes are formed by rudimentary drill holes. This simplicity invites a deeper inquiry into the artwork's construction and meaning. Is it a commentary on idealised forms, perhaps critiquing the conventions of portraiture? The starkness of the medium further emphasises a conceptual approach, challenging viewers to consider the nature of representation itself. The artwork’s impact stems from its self-conscious, almost defiant manipulation of form. The cameo, a symbol of classicism, is here re-imagined, prompting questions about beauty, skill, and the very essence of artistic endeavour.