Victorian 18k Cameo Rome Historical Scene Brutus Holding Dead Lucretia with Oath

Description: According to Roman tradition, Lucretia (died c. 510 BC), anglicized as Lucrece, was a noblewoman in ancient Rome. Sextus Tarquinius (Tarquin) raped her and her subsequent suicide. After Tarquin raped Lucretia, flames of dissatisfaction were kindled over the tyrannical methods of Tarquin's father, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. Lucretia's death became a significant historical event that precipitated a rebellion that overthrew the Roman monarchy and led to the transition of Roman government from a kingdom to a republic. As a result, the prominent families instituted a republic, drove the extensive royal family of Tarquin from Rome, and successfully defended the republic against attempted Etruscan and Latin intervention.In Livy's version, after the rape, Lucretia acts quickly and calmly, by asking her father and husband to bring one friend each to act as a witness. Those selected were Publius Valerius Publicola from Rome and Lucius Junius Brutus from the camp at Ardea. Once the men found Lucretia in her room, her explanation of Tarquin’s rape of her leads the men to state that "it is the mind that sins, not the body, and where there has been no consent there is no guilt." After exacting an oath of vengeance while the men were discussing the matter—"Pledge me your solemn word that the adulterer shall not go unpunished". Lucretia drew a poignard and stabbed herself in her heart. Brutus called the grieving party to order, explained that his simplicity had been a sham, and proposed that they drive the Tarquins from Rome. Grasping the bloody dagger, he swore by Mars and all the other gods that he would do everything in his power to overthrow the dominion of the Tarquinii. He stated that he would neither be reconciled to the tyrants himself, nor tolerate any who should be reconciled to them, but would look upon every man who thought otherwise as an enemy, and till his death would pursue with unrelenting hatred both the tyranny and its abettors; and if he should violate his oath, he prayed that he and his children might meet with the same end as Lucretia.Brutus's oath:"By this blood—most pure before the outrage wrought by the king's son—I swear, and you, O gods, I call to witness that I will drive hence Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, together with his cursed wife and his whole blood, with fire and sword and every means in my power, and I will not suffer them or anyone else to reign in Rome".Lucius Junius Brutus (fl. 6th century BC) was the semi-legendary founder of the Roman Republic, and traditionally one of its first consuls in 509 BC. He was reputedly responsible for the expulsion of his uncle the Roman king Tarquinius Superbus after the suicide of Lucretia, which led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. He was involved in the abdication of fellow consul Tarquinius Collatinus, and executed two of his sons for plotting the restoration of the Tarquins.This cameo depicts the less common scene of Victorian cameos. Similar statue of this scene is Junius Brutus, swearing revenge at Lucretia's corpse, Vienna, Schönbrunn gardens, by Ignaz Platzer. (1773–1780). In this scene, Brutus is swearing the oath at Lucretia's corpse. The carving lines of this cameo are crisp with lots of details, including hair, eyes, hands, muscles, toes etc. The facial expressions remain sharp and clean. A truly master piece from the history.The cameo is mounted in an unmarked, acid tested 18k solid yellow gold bezel, finished with twisted rope gold work. It has a T hinged pin, and a secure clasp to be worn as a brooch. A folding down hinged loop connected to a ring as a pendant. Size is huge, measured as 2 3/4 x 2 1/4" (70mm x 68mm), without counting the bail. A couple of internal hairlines are detected through strong back light, but not go through to either of the surface. Other than that, immaculate antique condition.Necklace chain and box are display only.

Price: 2750 USD

Location: Chicago, Illinois

End Time: 2024-10-03T06:57:10.000Z

Shipping Cost: 10 USD