Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

Two 19th century onyx cameo stickpins, the first carved to depict the profile of the Apollo Belvedere, the second to depict the profile of Zeus, both oval black and white banded cameos collet set in yellow gold, to stickpin mounts, first cameo measures 16mm x 13mm, second 20mm x 16mm. £700-900

The Apollo Belvedere is one of the most celebrated sculptures of classical antiquity and a shining example of contrapposto. It was rediscovered in Italy during the Renaissance and is now housed in the Cortile delle Statue of the Pio-Clementine Museum in the Vatican.

Apollo was one of the principal gods in both Greek and Roman mythology. Depicted as an athletic beardless youth, he is associated chiefly with the sun, music and prophesy. Zeus was the King of the gods in Greek mythology (known as Jupiter by the Romans) and father to most other gods. Depicted bearded and wearing a headdress of oak leaves, he is associated with thunder.