The Doves of Pliny

The depiction of four plumose pigeons, known as the "Doves of Pliny" or "Capitoline Doves," refers to Pliny the Elder's description of the original image in a classical mosaic by Sosus of Pergamon dating back to the 2nd century BC. A revival of these archaeological wonders occurred in the first half of the 19th century, when it was popular to reuse this motif in various artefacts. However, we have never seen a piece of such superb quality as the one we have here.

To emphasise its excellence, we invite you to closely examine the water in the vase and notice the subtle reflection of the drinking dove. This meticulous detail is precisely the aspect that mesmerised Pliny, as it continues to captivate us today. It is rare for an artist to successfully capture this specific fragment of the iconic image.

Furthermore, this cameo has been engraved in the hardest part of the shell, resulting in a more realistic appearance with its three distinct colour layers. The level of craftsmanship required to sculpt such detail in a material as hard as stone suggests an Italian origin.

This piece of artistry is brought to its full spectacle in a harmonious mounting, likely crafted by an English goldsmith.

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Click here to learn more about this magnificent cameo bracelet.‍