Getty Museum

Engraved Gem

Date

about A.D. 20

Medium

Honey-colored sard

Culture

Roman

Department

Jewelry

Institution

Getty Museum

The distinctive profile carved into this small cameo gem represents a young member of the imperial family during the early years of the Roman Empire. His wavy hair sweeps around his head in the fashion of Augustus, the founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The gem carver gave the impression of gentle swelling around the lips, cheek, and chin, and to a lesser extent, in the neck to indicate an Adam's apple. The top part of a toga wraps around the neck and a sash rests on one shoulder. This formal clothing befits a young prince from the imperial family. The gem is a honey-colored sard--a type of gemstone--and was likely worn by a member of the imperial family. The side of the gem has been carved into a trapezoidal pattern and the bottom was flattened, preparing it for mounting as part of a ring. The mount has since been lost.

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