West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1886-07-16
PORTRAITS IN STONE.
The Delicate Work of Cameo and
Intaglio Cutting.
Description of an Unique Art-The Lapi-
dary's Secrets Notwithstanding
but Costly GIFTS for the Adoru-
mcnt of Loved Ones

Some time ago in one of the promi-
nont jowclry stores on State street a
newspaper representative was handed
ring for inspection. which was quite
curiosity in its way 1t was Of the
ordinary size and had been ordered
Tor presentation TO one Of the promi-
nent men of Chicago The stone Ga
fine black and white cameo). i'm place
OF the usual antique engraved figure.
bore IA beautifully executed bust por-
trait of the gentlemen it was to he
presented to. In answer to AN mquiry
the jeweler said that the stone had been
cut i'm Chicago. and that the cost of the
ring, the setting included, was one hun
drrd and twenty-five dollars. He also
stated that there were only three or
Tour men in the United States capable
OF uOlng such work, and that the artist
VINO had cut this stone for him was the
only one west of New York The re-
porter obtained the address of this
Tiara Avis and called upon him some
few days afterward
The workshop had all the appear
ancc of machine shop, and was
crowded with revolving wheels and
shaiting of diverse materials and di
menslons. run by steam-power. There
were several men at work, incudinp
the proprietor young man of foreign
birth, between twenty-five and thirty
years Of age. The reporter gave the
name of his informant, and the propri
etor willingly gave him all the informa-
ton he desired
Our main business. - he said. .'con-
siSt7 IN commissions from jewellers and
private individuals in Chicago and 9th
cr cities throughout the West We ex-
ecuie any design in cameo, inta0lio.
HicruStlng or combination work
whether bust, portrait, whole figure
or fancy lettering We also do a Great
dcal Of metal or name engraving on
hiouterie. The required design is first
carefully nodded by us in wax. after
That all depends on the eye and hand
of the engraver.'
Have you any specimen Of your
own work YOU could let me see?"
Here arc some specimens have cut
during the last two years. ne said.
taking case out of the safe. .they
were not made 10 order but were in
t'nded for exhibition and my own col
lection. The is a two-ayer white and
black cameo OF the usual description.
j was at work three weeks cutting
the head on it. Do you know what Il
is?'
lie placed the stone, which bore
beautifully designed and executed bust
picture Of President Cleveland ON the
workbench. The bust was about half
an inch in length, and the striking
manner in which the characteristics of
the Presidents massive head were
brought out was astonishing Had il
been life-size figure the portrait and
personality could not have becu more
striking
What is the value of that stonep"
II would not care to dispose of it..
but. If ] should sell il, the lowest sum
that could tempt me would be one hun
dred and fifty dollars, and then per
haps ] might keep IT,
DO YOU often have commissions for
work Of this kind?'
No; but occasionally we find peo-
Pie who do not mind giving from ffty
% one hundred and fifty dollars for a
piece OF this kind They are usually
husbands or wives, who order their
own busts for birthday presents Some
NIiil'0 W. iidfF n commission IOT
child head that the father will treas
ur' ever afterwards When people can
afford IT,, this is no waste of money. az
% cameo with ordinary care. Is indc-
structible and will be in existence when
portraits or even painting will have
vanished. Look az the number Of
carved and engraved gems i'm the
museums and collections, which date
from the most remote ages
Here are some others Look them
over and see If YOU recognize the
faces.
Among the specimens shown were
portraits Of Washington. Garfield.
John Mccullough, sherman and 9th.
crs. They were all splendid portraits
and of the usual seal-ring size.
"Now, ] will show you tho finest
TIcco OF work ! have ever executed "
Hid thc artist lle took from small
case an octagon-shaped piece Of pure
black onyx, about two inches I'm diam
ricr, polished ON about two-third- of
t1. surface, The remainder left dull and
@. >oaIng-wax appearance In This
central part were three ovcrlyiuV
b ad in relief those of Washington.
o. d 4