German, 17th century, Pendant with a skull cameo. Photo courtesy Sotheby's

jasper, mounted in gold; 38mm., 1½in. Estimation 4,000 — 6,000 GBP

A similarly conceived, though possibly Roman, skull in amethyst is illustrated in J. Boardman et al., The art of gem engraving from Alexander the Great to Napoleon III, exh. cat. The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Fukuoka City Museum, 2008, pp. 213 and 355, no. 252.

Sotheby's. European Sculpture & Works of Art. London | 04 déc. 2013, 11:00 AM - www.sothebys.com