Ca. 1700-1800 AD. An oval-shaped cameo bearing a joined portrait of the god Mars and the goddess Minerva. Mars, the god of war, is depicted in the foreground of the cameo, wearing a helmet and a mantle draped and fastened over his right arm. To his left, he holds a decorative shield, which is both a symbol of his power and a sign of his readiness for battle. The finely-carved face features of Mars convey a sense of strength, power, and masculinity. His eyes are intense and focused, his nose and brows are sharply defined, and his mouth is set in a determined expression. Behind Mars is the goddess Minerva, who represents wisdom, knowledge, and strategic thinking. Her calm and composed appearance stands in contrast to Mars' fierce and warlike stance. Minerva stares forward with a serene expression, her finely-carved features conveying a sense of quiet confidence and intelligence. The cameo is mounted onto an elegant gold brooch setting with a highly ornamental border consisting of scroll and sphere design. The intricate design of the border complements the refined beauty of the cameo. The catchplate with a pin on the back of the brooch is a functional element that allows the wearer to securely fasten the piece to their clothing.Size: L:46.5mm / W:37.1mm ; 14.76gProvenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1990s.