Late 19th C. Hardstone, Agate, Cameo Cravat-Stick Pin, Dionyisic Maenad, 14-15K

Description

Offered at auction is a late 19th  century Cravat or Stick pin set with a finely hand engraved, high relief, black and white, banded agate, high relief, portrait cameo of appears to be a Maenad, a female follower of the wine god Dionysus (Bacchus to the Romans). It could also be interpreted as an image of the goddess Flora. I think it is meant as an image of a Maenad though, given the grape leaf wreath in her hair. I leave it up to the viewer/buyer to decide which ancient mythological being is intended.
The Cameo measures approximately 17.5mm in circumference with the frame surrounding the cameo measuring approximately 20.5mm in circumference. The pin itself is approximately 75mm long. Though this Cravat pin is not hallmarked, as was common at the time of its manufacture, it tests as 14K-15K solid gold by acid testing.
The stick pin weighs approximately 6.2 grams.