Art Deco Shell Cameo of St George in White Gold "Knight Slaying Dragon"

A standout in any collection, the piece originates from the estate of a distinguished local cameo enthusiast. The brooch-pendant combination was crafted around 1925 and is set in an Art Deco filigree frame made of white gold. The cameo, carved in high relief from a brown and white shell, features an unusual subject: St. George, the dragon slayer, in full glory!

This Romanized portrayal of St. George shows him mounted on horseback, holding a lance, as he slays a mythical-looking winged dragon beneath him. In the story, the evil dragon terrorizes a village. When the villagers run out of livestock to feed the dragon, they begin offering human sacrifices. Eventually, they choose a beloved princess as the next sacrifice. St. George defeats the dragon and rescues the princess, liberating the village from tyranny. This tale was particularly popular during the Middle Ages and in Victorian Europe, suggesting that this fine carving may predate the rest of the brooch; however, we cannot confirm this. 

The cameo itself is large, measuring just over two inches in length, and can be worn on a chain or as a brooch. 

Details: 14k white gold pin-pendant combination set with a carved shell cameo, Art Deco, circa 1925.