Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Anonymous — A miniature bookcover
Anonymous

A miniature bookcover

1630

This hinged portable object opens like a book to reveal two rectangular panels framed in gold with chamfered agate corners in warm brown and smoky tones. Each panel contains an oval hardstone cameo carved in low relief, depicting classical figures in earthy reddish brown tones set against a lighter ground. The surrounding framework features intricate enamel work in black and white with delicate scrolling ornaments, while small diamonds accent the composition. A central metal spine connects the two halves, which rest on a modern bronze display stand, allowing the work to be viewed as both closed and open.

Medium
Agate, gold, enamel, diamonds, and oil on vellum
Dimensions
Location
David Zwirner 69th Street, New York, NY

Notes

From the exhibition 'Set in Stone' at David Zwirner 69th Street, NYC, May 12 to June 26, 2026, in collaboration with Galerie Kugel, Paris. Tombstone date: Paris, c. 1630-1640.

For Sale

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Anonymous, A miniature bookcover, 1630

This hinged portable object opens like a book to reveal two rectangular panels framed in gold with chamfered agate corners in warm brown and smoky tones. Each panel contains an oval hardstone cameo carved in low relief, depicting classical figures in earthy reddish brown tones set against a lighter ground. The surrounding framework features intricate enamel work in black and white with delicate scrolling ornaments, while small diamonds accent the composition. A central metal spine connects the two halves, which rest on a modern bronze display stand, allowing the work to be viewed as both closed and open.

Medium
Agate, gold, enamel, diamonds, and oil on vellum
Dimensions
9.8 x 11.4 x 5.1 cm
Year
1630
Seen at
Adler Beatty, New York, NY

Related themes

Baroque Period, Symmetrical Composition, Precious Materials, Jewelry Adjacent, Relief Carving, Enamel Work, Decorative Arts, Paris, Classical Imagery, Miniature Object, Hardstone Carving, Gold Work, Luxury Binding, Portable Art, Agate, Earth Tones, Sculptural Panel, Renaissance Revival, Seventeenth Century, Cameo

More works by Anonymous

Collected by

Cleveland Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago