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Bust of a Roman

probably 17th century
Not on view
The man’s compactly curled hair and beard recall those of the Antonine emperors. Ernst Kris, author of the Weil catalogue, reasonably suggested Aelius Verus, whom Hadrian adopted as praetor and consul but who predeceased him by drinking poison. Aelius Verus was habitually shown with an anxiously knitted brow. This largish caramel-hued gem was in the Marlborough collection in the eighteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bust of a Roman
  • Date: probably 17th century
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Cryptocrystalline quartz (probably chalcedony) and gold
  • Dimensions: Overall in gold frame: 3 x 2 3/16 in. (7.6 x 5.5 cm);
    Visible cameo: 69.3 x 49.6 x 20.2 mm
  • Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
  • Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.150.30
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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