ENGRAVING OF PRECIOUS STONES. 289
opaque
or semi-transparent, such as the onyx, sardonyx, cornelian, agate,
&c. They are suited for subjects of the most varied character.
Intaglios
are very often executed in transparent stones, and the subjects treated
in this manner are more limited in number. They are chiefly such as
seals, devices, coats of arms, &c.
In modern times Rome has almost a monopoly of this class of productions, exporting every year more than $50,000 worth of them.
In
the Paris Exhibition of 1867 several magnificent cameos by Girometti
were exhibited. One of these was a grand composition, representing
Ptolemy Philadelphus and Arsinoe, valued at $6000, and executed on a
superb oriental cornelian, which alone cost $ 2000.
Another
design was an Achilles, on an oriental sardonyx, and valued at $2400.
This was a striking example of the skilful manner in which artists may
avail themselves of the different tints of a stone. The face of the
hero seems bronzed by the sun, while his helmet and shield are of the
colour of steel.
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