Antique Victorian era hand carved sardonyx shell cameo brooch. Depicting the proud head of a Bacchante maiden or Maenad, one of the followers in retinue of the god of wine, Dionysus (Greek) or Bacchus (Roman). The left facing bust profile is finely hand carved in raised relief, with intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship. She is beautiful, portrayed with classical features and majestic expression. Lovely details to her cascades of curling hair. Graceful folds to her gown. Crowned with vines of grape clusters and leaves. Note the high relief of the grape clusters, each individual grape emphasized as well as the carved detail to each leaf. The rich dark background color of the sardonyx shell affords a superb contrast to this exceptionally beautiful image. Signed to the back of the cameo with the carver's signature and Roma. A very well-carved example set in an ornate 14k yellow gold mount (unmarked but tested). The cameo is surrounded in exquisite Etruscan Revival wire-work. The back with T hinged pin and C clasp. There is a loop at top, which is possibly a replacement, ideal for a bail ring to display as a necklace pendant. In overall very good antique condition. Some indentations to the back of the gold mount. Visible in the back-lit picture are some stable stress lines near the upper left, this does not detract from its beauty and is common to old shell cameos. Nice large size, the brooch measures 2 7/16" x 2 1/8" oval. Weighs 20.5 grams.