This lovely era 1850s hand carved shell cameo depicts the rare mythology motif of the Genius of Peace or Pax.
The image is of a naked youth with wings taming the horses of Mars. Pax is holding the reins of the war god Mars’ steeds and is poised to set the horses free, standing confidently on his chariot.With the absence of the war god Mars, the image denotes the return of peace to earth.
This early 19th century cameo carving follows the composition of the Genius of Peace Taming the Horses of Mars painting by the French artist Bénigne Gagneraux.
This magnificent era 1850s cameo carving is mounted in Pinchbeck, a gold-like alloy that was widely used in the first half of the 19th century.
