Bust of a bacchante 1820 - 1838

Nicola Morelli's "Bust of a Bacchante" is a cameo sculpted between 1820 and 1838, a period of neoclassical revival in Europe. The delicate carving depicts a female figure, likely a bacchante, a female follower of the god Bacchus, identified by the grapes and vine leaves in her hair. The cameo's intricate details and the use of layered, contrasting colors of the shell are hallmarks of Morelli's style. This small but exquisite piece, crafted from shell, is a testament to Morelli's skill in carving and is a beautiful example of a neoclassical cameo.