circa 1860

A large finely carved shell cameo of Hebe and the eagle of Zeus is set in an ornate 18K gold and blue enamel frame and mounted as a brooch.

Hebe, the daughter of Zeus and Hera, was supposed to have the power to give eternal youth (goddess of youth). Before marrying Heracles, Hebe was the cupbearer of the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. Between about 1750 and 1880, Hebe was a prolific subject in art, many of the times being depicted holding the chalice to Zeus’ eagle.

The brooch is marked on pin with eagle shaped French assay mark.

The cameo measures 47 x 37 mm (1 7/8 x 1 1/2 in.), with frame – 65 x 56 mm (2 1/2 x 2 1/8 in.)