Laureate head of Napoleon I of France 1805 - 1815

This is a cameo depicting Napoleon Bonaparte, carved by Pietro Pestrini, who was born in 1800. It’s made of sardonyx, a layered stone that allows the artist to create contrast through carving. The technique of carving cameos dates back to antiquity. Here, Pestrini has used the different colored layers of the sardonyx to create a portrait of Napoleon in profile, crowned with a laurel wreath. This was not just a feat of technical skill, but also a way to evoke associations between Napoleon and the leaders of the classical world. The appeal of cameos lies in their intricacy and portability, functioning almost like miniature sculptures. They were luxury items, worn as jewelry or displayed as collectibles. So, this small-scale artwork reflects the larger-than-life persona of Napoleon, and the powerful symbolism that even a humble object could convey. By considering the labor and cultural context involved in its making, we can appreciate the full significance of this intricate portrait.