Tarquin Blackwood loses his virginity to a ghost. That makes
for a captivating story non? However the true
allure of Mrs. Rice’s story isn’t the darling boy with the pretty eyes but
rather his aunt Queen and her Cameo’s. I came across the book when I was in my
teens, having gone through the normal Anne Rice phase (everyone goes through
that phase right? right?) and the Cameo interest stuck.
Bon,
I am an Art Historian in the making, and whenever a Cameo comes up in class
I react, as I imagine, as aunt Queen would. The smile spreads on my face and
the look in my eyes burn through whatever power-point (that’s the way of Art
History courses) is displayed. I’m sure that
my Roman Art professor thinks I’ve got a crush on him thanks to those blazing eyes of
mine that defy the somber lighting. He isn’t my type, and it’s the cameo I’m lusting
after.
The onyx and shell slabs delicately
carved out, the intricate details displaying masterful skill and steady hands.
The profiles, biblical, traditional Roman scenes bring me happiness. I decided
that I wanted, non, plutôt,
needed to learn more about something that has such a visually orgasmic (extreme
I know, but accurate) effect on me. Right now a few books are heading my way,
and I want to share my love of these delicate antiques with you. The bible
apparently is Cameos old and New by Anna M. Miller, no better place to
start. Another practical thing is my proximity to some of the most know Museums
internationally, I’ll hop around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and some
amazing antique shops, hoping to come across some goodies (where else would
they be hiding?) L’aventure commence!
