Cameo depicting the Venus Callipygian

During the 18^th century, workshops specializing in engraving and carving on semi-precious stones developed, especially in Rome, where it was possible to purchase cameos copied from ancient examples or inspired by classical models, as well as sulphur and plaster casts of works from private and scarcely accessible collections. Some sulphur casts also showed reinterpretations of ancient statues, such as the Venus Callipygian depicted in the Museo Ginori model. 

These types of artifacts enjoyed great popularity throughout the 18th century, becoming a sort of souvenir linked to the antiquarian passion typical of the Grand Tour. Cameos prepared for sale were placed inside stackable wooden boxes, each bearing on the gilded trim, framing it, a sequential number that corresponded to a register with the description and indication of the archetype of origin. At the Museo Ginori, several wooden boxes containing sulphur casts are preserved (invv. 9485-9513), attributable to at least two series dating to the 1780s. Most likely, these casts were acquired by Lorenzo Ginori to be used as functional models for porcelain versions. However, no pieces produced by the Ginori Manufactory in the second half of the 18^th century can be linked to the Museo series. It is certain, however, that at the manufactory, from the early years of production, porcelain cameos were made and used, for example, in the decoration of some snuffboxes.