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Gems: Illustrious Characters, set of Victorian cameos depicting historical figures

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MS-0833

Content Description

Derived from dealer description: This collection consists of twenty-four carved plaster Victorian cameos of notable ancient Greek and Italian historical figures, housed in a purpose-built presentation box titled Gems: Illustrious Characters, created in Great Britain between 1860 and 1880. The individual cameos measure approximately 2 x 1 inches, permanently mounted on a green velvet backdrop within the box. The box is bound in the style of a book measuring approximately 10 x 6 x 2 inches. Its cover features a marbled design, with the title on the spine in gilt lettering.

Both the front and back covers of the box open to reveal twelve cameos on either side, accompanied by two handwritten indexes which identify the historical figures represented, both with the heading “Illustrious Men.” Some of the individuals depicted include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Dante Alighieri, Galileo Galilei, Aeschylus, Homer, and Julius Caesar.

Dates

  • Creation: approximately 1860-1880

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is located at the George Peabody Library and may require scheduling a special appointment to access it. Contact Special Collections for more information. This collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

There is currently no biographical or historical information available on the creator.

Extent

0.17 Cubic Feet (1 flat box (11 x 9 x 3 inches))

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of carved plaster cameos of notable ancient Greek and Italian historical figures, housed in a purpose-built presentation box titled Gems: Illustrious Characters, created in Great Britain between 1860 and 1880. There is currently no biographical or historical information available on the creator.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased from Voyager Press in October 2017 with support from the Lidz Family Endowment Fund for the Milton S. Eisenhower Library.

Processing Information

This collection was processed in December 2018 by Kristen Diehl.

Title
Guide to Gems: Illustrious Characters, set of Victorian cameos depicting historical figures
Author
Kristen Diehl
Date
2018 December
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA