Hebe, goddess of youth, the daughter of Zeus a popular subject of cameo carvers. Hebe is shown in one of two poses, either holding a libation bowl or offering food to the eagle of Zeus. This is because she was assigned these duties on Mount Olympus. She was the divine cupbearer who poured the nectar and ambrosia, which were the sustenance of the gods, and she was charged with feeding Zeus's eagle. Upon her marriage to Hercules, she gave up both these responsibilities. She is a symbol of girlish pursuits giving way to duty to one's husband. Cameos of Hebe were often given as wedding presents. The cameo is jumbo in size measuring 2 1/2 inches tall by 2 inches wide. It is from carved shell and is a brooch with a safty chain. The frame is hand made to fit the cameo in the late 1800s. It is made from pinchbeck and quite ornate.
; "Hebe and the Eagle")
