Cameo of Elizabeth I

c.1575-85

Mount: English

Queen Caroline(?); first documented in the Royal Collection in 1763

Cameo of a bust of Elizabeth I (1533-1603) in three-quarter view with her head in profile to the left. She wears an elaborate low-cut gown with square neckline and a high lace ruff. A double-looped chain and pendant hangs around her neck. The raised border is bevelled to reveal the layers of the stone.

Extensive studies of the Tudor portrait cameos, in particular those representing Elizabeth I, have identified overwhelming numbers; leading to the assumption of a special form of large organized court workshop. ...