An early 19^th century Italian carved sardonyx cameo of Napoleon, Rome circa 1810 by Niccolò Morelli (1771-1830)

Carved as Roman emperor, mounted in gold, signed MORELLI to underside of bust. Housed in later ebonised frame.

Cameo length – 4.2 cm / 1.75 inches

Niccolò Morelli (1771-1838), a Roman gem-engraver patronised by Napoleon I, who specialized in copies of ancient cameos, he signed his work similarly to his near contemporary and fellow Roman, Gioacchino Morelli (1771-1844?).