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Sardonyx cameo portrait of the emperor Augustus in an ancient gold setting

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Cameo

Cameo

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Sardonyx cameo portrait of the emperor Augustus in an ancient gold setting

Period:
Early Imperial, Augustan
Date:
ca. 27 B.C.–A.D. 14
Culture:
Roman
Medium:
Sardonyx, gold
Dimensions:
H. 1 1/8 in. (2.8 cm)
Classification:
Gems
Credit Line:
Gift of Milton Weil, 1929
Accession Number:
29.175.4

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 166

  • Description

    The cameo bears a medallion with a portrait of Augustus supported on the horns of a double-headed goat. The imagery represents the constellation Capricorn, which was adopted by the Emperor Augustus as his own lucky star sign and was used as an imperial symbol on such things as coins and legionary standards.

  • References

    Milleker, Elizabeth J., ed. 2000. The Year One: Art of the Ancient World East and West. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, no. 48, pp. 59, 61, 206.

    Richter, G.M.A. 2006: 2nd Edition. Catalogue of Engraved Gems: Greek, Etruscan, and Roman. Rome: L'Erma di Bretschneider, no. 649, p. 130, pl. 73.
    Zwierlein-Diehl, Erika. 2007. Antike Gemmen und ihr Nachleben. Berlin/New York: Walter de Gruyer, p. 431. fig. 605.

    Picón, Carlos A., et al. 2007. Art of the Classical World in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, no. 385, pp. 333, 482.

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    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
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