Victorian Maenad Cameo Brooch mid-century and the pearls themselves representing

and the pearls themselves representing purity or innocence

purge the man-eating birds of Lake Stymphalia

or wedding present perhaps

Strong lunar eclipse "Blood Moon" vibes

Victorian Maenad Cameo Brooch mid-century and the pearls themselves representingMaenads*, the female followers of Dionysus, were a popular cameo subject during the 19th century. This exquisite example is carved from a single piece of Bull's Mouth shell, the bust depicted in profile and high relief, utilising the white band of the shell over an orangish brown background. As was the Maenads' typical 19th century depiction, she wears vine leaves and bunches of grapes entwined in her hair, a diaphanous robe draped over one shoulder,