In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the art of cameo cutting enjoyed a revival as “cameo fever” swept through Europe and England.

Exotic materials such as helmet shell and queen conch shell were favored for cameos; by cutting through the shell’s layers to reveal contrasting colors, skilled craftsmen could achieve detailed portraits or miniature scenes.

George W. Jamison (American, died 1868) worked as a cameo cutter in New York between 1835 and 1838 and exhibited his “Conchylia portraits” at the National Academy. The Museum’s collection includes a detailed cameo bust of President Andrew Jackson (ca. 1835), carved by Jamison out of helmet conch shell.

The cameo is mounted in a multicolored gold wreath with a black enamel border, which was made by metalworker William Rose (American, active 1839–50).

Our frame, crafted of pewter with 18k matte gold overlay, is adapted from the original 19th-century frame.

The removable paper within the frame features Asher Brown Durand's (American, 1796–1886) painting Mrs. Winfield Scott.

SendAFrame proudly offers this and the entire Museum frame collection.

To view the complete collection, visit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art® Collection