Lot 88
Wilhelm Schmidt: A boulder opal cameo pendant/ brooch, late 19th century
Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000
Auction: 23 October 2024 From 14:00 BST
Description
The large oval opal and opal matrix cameo, carved to depict a warrior in profile looking right, within an engraved border with geometric detailing, unsigned, cameo 7.0 x 4.2cm, pendant length 9.6cm
Footnote
Wilhelm Schmidt (1845-1938) was a German cameo carver, born in the global centre of gem cutting, Idar Oberstein. In 1874 he pioneered a novel new technique of carving opal cameos to also display the natural gem matrix. This use of the original opal matrix, traditionally discarded by carvers, allows for depth of field in the cameos. This technique lets the opal's play of colour spring forth against a dark background.
The first example of Schmidt's opal carvings was exhibited by John Brogden at the Paris Exhibition in 1878. Although by this time the trend for cameos was in decline, the admiration for Schmidt's unique work garnered him many high profile patrons and admirers such as the late Victorian art critic John Ruskin.
Schmidt very rarely signed his work but this cameo is highly representative of his style. In particular the imagery of various exotic and classical warriors, and the delicate carving of feathers.
