Getty Museum

Cameo set in a modern mount

Date

5th century A.D.

Medium

Gem: agate; Mount: gold

Culture

Roman

Department

Jewelry

Institution

Getty Museum

On this cameo, a hand pinches an earlobe between the thumb and forefinger; above, there is another object, perhaps a knotted scarf or a diadem. Surrounding the imagery, a long inscription in Greek, comprising a sentimental message that addresses a man: "Remember me, your dear sweetheart, and fare well, Sophronios." In Roman art and literature, the ear-tweaking hand is a common motif, signifying a request for attention. Gems such as this were mementos of love, and were probably given as gifts. The knotted object is not common, but very likely it, too, was a symbol of remembrance, its purpose perhaps similar to the modern custom of tying a knot in a handkerchief so as not to forget something important. This style of the lettering on this cameo indicates that it was made no earlier than the 400s A.D. The decorative mount into which the cameo is set is modern.

The authoritative record is held by Getty Museum. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.