posted on July 20, 2001 08:12:11 AM new
What is the difference between an Intaglio and a Cameo? Sometimes I see Intaglio in the title, sometimes Cameo, and somtimes Intaglio Cameo. From what I have been able to determine from my trusty dictionary, Intaglio means incised or cut into engraving and Cameo is a raised carving on stone. So does that mean that Intaglio's are recessed and cameo's are raised???? Reason I ask is from the pictures I have seen, I can't tell that the Intaglio's are recessed? Exactly what is the difference and how do you know which you have??? Thanks much in advance for any help anyone can give me.
posted on July 20, 2001 10:58:20 AM new
Cameos are relief which mean they are raised from the surface and intaglios are carved into the surface in other words sunken.
posted on July 20, 2001 11:15:47 AM new
Thanks newguy-I thought that may be the case. Oddly, it seems in all my years I have only seen cameos! Now what about a profile that is stamped into metal from the bottom side? It makes it look raised on the topside. What would you call that?
posted on July 20, 2001 12:21:01 PM new
I would add intaglio= "inlaid" where cameo= "carved." At least, I've bought and sold a few intaglios that were definitely like exquisite miniature stained glasswork... tiny shaped and flattened pieces of lapis, malachite, agate, opal, whatever, fitted in around each other to form a "picture" with a flat surface.. like a jigsaw puzzle.
A cameo would more likely be a raised, carved single piece fitted into pendant setting.
posted on July 20, 2001 12:37:19 PM new
in·ta·glio (in-tal'yo, -täl'-)
n., pl. -glios.
1.
a. A figure or design carved into or beneath the surface of hard metal or stone.
b. The art or process of carving a design in this manner.
2. A gemstone carved in intaglio.
3. Printing done with a plate bearing an image in intaglio.
4. A die incised so as to produce a design in relief
cam·e·o (kam'e-o')
n., pl. -os.
1.
a. A gem or shell carved in relief, especially one in which the raised design and the background consist of layers of contrasting colors.
b. The technique of carving in this way.
c. A medallion with a profile cut in raised relief.
posted on July 20, 2001 01:08:48 PM new
I actually have a couple intaglio pieces up for sale now they normally sell pretty good especially the blue glass ones of pagodas.
Wish I could recall how to post pics on message boards but my minds functioning in reverse today.
I would post the item numbers but it may be against TOS.
If you do a search of intaglio under vintage jewelry category you should find several items.
newguy-Thanks again! That is actually what I was thinking of, but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called. Yes this item is solid metal not carved or engraved stone. Though, from Toke's definition, I suppose it could be called an Intaglio.
Toke-I hate to show my ignorance, but you know, even with the definition I still wasn't sure! I need to look up the definitions of the definitions! LOL
jrb3-I did go and check out the auctions, but I had trouble telling if the designs were raised or recessed. Also, I saw some amber which had the design carved from the backside and it was called Intaglio also.
Thanks to all of you for your help. It is greatly appreciated. I really hate calling something by the wrong name. Of course, I guess I could state in my add that I wasn't really quite sure whether to call it Cameo, Intaglio, Mosaic or Repose'! Of course, eBay might see it as keyword spaming!
posted on July 20, 2001 02:08:43 PM newsulyn1950...
I think you could say that a piece done in the intaglio method would have the design carved into it...from either the front or the back. The stone would be hollowed out.
In a cameo, the design is raised. The surface layer is cut away to create a sculptural form. Depending on the piece, sometimes the figure (or flower, or whatever) is quite high above the surface of the stone or shell. I love the lava cameos. I have one with a warrior's head as the design. The head is almost half an inch above the flat background...
posted on July 20, 2001 02:25:32 PM newtoke-Yes, it is "hollowed" out on the back side. Actually the design is quite clear on the front and very diminsional. It looks more like it was "pressed" than engraved or carved. Probably done by a machine? Stamped like a stampado, only left open not backed. That's why I was thinking Repose' might more clearly describe it over Intaglio. Though I like the way you referred to "an item done in the Intaglio method".
posted on July 20, 2001 02:33:45 PM new
AHA! It could be an artificial substance that was cast in a mold. A lot of resins and plastics are done this way.
You know, like a piece of pressed glass would be? You can feel the hollowed out design on one side...and the raised design on the other.
