Bust of a bacchante 1820 - 1838

Nicola Morelli's "Bust of a Bacchante" (1820-1838) is a cameo carved from shell and set in a gold frame. The cameo depicts a woman, likely a bacchante, a female follower of the god Bacchus, in profile. Her hair is adorned with grapes, a symbol of Bacchus, and she wears a garment typical of the ancient Roman period. Morelli was a noted Italian cameo artist, and this piece exemplifies his detailed and delicate carving style. The cameo is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City, where it is a popular example of Neoclassical art.