Carved Agate Cameo of the Virgin Mary

This item is an oval-shaped, relief-carved cameo, likely composed of hardstone such as banded agate or onyx. The piece utilizes the natural layering of the stone, featuring a light grey or white upper layer for the figure against a dark grey-to-black base layer, a technique characteristic of traditional glyptic art. The subject is a serene female bust in three-quarter view, appearing to represent the Virgin Mary or a Madonna-like figure, noted by the modest head covering and downcast eyes. The carving shows soft, rounded details in the facial structure and flowing lines in the veil and hair, suggesting a mid-to-late 19th-century Victorian or early 20th-century aesthetic. The surface exhibits a matte finish with slight smoothing of the high points, which suggests natural wear or age. There are no immediate maker's marks visible on the front face. The craftsmanship indicates a level of manual skill, though the moderate detail suggests it was produced for a wider commercial market rather than a high-end bespoke client. The edges appear smooth, though potentially unset, indicating it may have once been part of a brooch, pendant, or ring mounting. Small pits or surface variations are visible, consistent with authentic stone rather than molded plastic or glass imitations.