What is the Cameo in Edinburgh?

The Cameo in Edinburgh is a small but intriguing statue of a man that has stood in the heart of the city's Royal Mile for over a century.

Here are some key details about the Cameo:

1. Location: The Cameo is located on the Royal Mile, an iconic historic street in Edinburgh. It can be found on the northern side of the road, just east of St. Giles Cathedral.

2. Sculptor: The Cameo is the work of David Octavius Hill, a renowned Scottish photographer, painter, and sculptor.

3. Creation Date: The statue was created in the mid-19th century, between 1845 and 1850.

4. Subject: The Cameo depicts a man’s head with a detailed and finely carved profile, set within an oval frame. The man is believed to be a Roman noble named Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, but the exact identity remains uncertain.

5. Unique Feature: The Cameo is carved out of a large piece of red sandstone, which was a common building material in Edinburgh at the time.

6. Purpose: The Cameo is primarily an artistic and decorative piece. It was initially installed as a visual element on the façade of a Victorian building known as “High School of Edinburgh's Library”.

7. Significance: Despite its small size, the Cameo has become an iconic landmark in Edinburgh. It is often photographed and admired by visitors and locals alike.

8. Preservation: The Cameo has managed to survive various renovations and alterations to the building it was originally attached to. It is currently housed in a protective enclosure to ensure its preservation.

Visitors to Edinburgh can easily find the Cameo in a corner of the former High School of Edinburgh's Library, which overlooks Lawnmarket. It stands as a testament to the artistic expression and cultural heritage that can be discovered within the city's historic streets and buildings.