This lavastone sculpture of a faun is held in a silver setting. A little hole at the back reveals that it was possibly originally worn as a stickpin and was converted into a brooch.
This mythological creature from ancient Roman folklore is half human and half goat, as seen by its ears. Fauns were forest spirits associated with nature, fields, and music
In the 19th Century, travellers undertaking the Grand Tour often collected jewellery inspired by classical antiquity as both fashionable souvenirs and symbols of cultural refinement. This brooch reflects the period's admiration for archaeological discoveries at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Bacchic themes—including vine leaves, satyrs, maenads, and the figure of Bacchus himself— gave a sensual and oftentimes even comical representation of the myth of the God of wine and his entourage, which were known to celebrate in Bacchanalia, lavish feasts in which the participants would reach a state of ecstasy.
To enhance their appeal and ties to Italy, these neoclassical jewels were frequently carved in typical materials of the region, such as coral, found in the Mediterranean sea, and lava stone, sourced on the slopes of the Vesuvius.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 24 x 17 x 15 mm.
Weight: 5.05 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1850s.
Material: The mounting is acid tested as being silver.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only. This store is based in the EU. Buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties and VAT.