Yesterday was grading (today as well). I posted this to Twitter while giving myself a micro-break with a museum database to refresh my soul.
In response an anonymous post shared this.
The parallel between the nineteenth century intaglio and this gold piece is … concerning. The Cameo is in the Boston MFA (Beazley link with many other imitations illustrated).
I would have questioned the antiquity of the cameo too but after consulting with more learned friends I’m now convinced that its 16th century provenance (said to be discovered at Sentium before 1572, sold at Venice, and in the Howard collection, and known to Stosch) makes it almost certainly ancient.
Looking briefly at Cupid and Psyche iconography I can find no great ancient parallels (YET!) and no I haven’t been through LIMC plates yet.
But my finds of unknown date include these parallels:
and this lovely Wedgwood glass paste (BM)
Ok. I hope this post is enough to restore my focus to more pressing tasks.
From RASPE
See in future:
Liv Mariah Yarrow 