Antique Victorian Square Cameo Rebecca at the Well

Superb antique Victorian hand-carved shell cameo depicting the biblical scene Rebecca at the Well. This high relief carving depicts the late Victorian variant of the Biblical story in which a woman in bustled, tiered skirts is standing in front of a village-like setting of buildings and trees. A small bridge is behind her, and the sun is peeking through above her. Early Victorian editions of this subject were closer to the original story. Rebecca was dressed in the style at the time of the story, and many times, she had a water vessel with her.

This brooch has fine details that remain in good condition. Foliage is carved around the scene with trees at the top where the sun is peeking through with dazzling effect. A fence runs through the center of the scene, separating the village from a grove of trees. It is a remarkable piece of handmade art with texture and depth drawing the eye in towards the subject.   The back of the gold-filled frame has multiple areas of solder

I believe this cameo dates to the 1870s, when scenic cameos became popular again. The hinge is original, which helps to date if.

Antique Victorian hand-carved cameo in a gold-filled setting.