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Cameo of the Emperor Augustus
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Cameo of the Emperor Augustus
Cameo of the Emperor Augustus. This cameo was carved from a three-layered sardonyx. It is a fragment of a larger portrait of the first Roman emperor, Augustus (27 BC-14 AD). He is shown in a majestic pose, and wears a sword-belt, symbolizing his military authority, and the aegis usually associated with the goddess Minerva. The jewelled headband was added in the medieval period. Such a depiction of the emperor, one that openly assumes a divine attribute, was probably only intended to be seen by a few. It could have proved controversial for such an image to have been spread widely, since Roman society was still very mistrustful of monarchy, with many hoping for a return to the Republic. The Roman Republic, a system whereby Rome and its territories were governed by the people without a single fixed head of state, had been swept away in a series of bloody civil wars from which Augustus emerged as the sole ruler. Nevertheless, images of Augustus that were intended for a wider audience, such as those on coins and statues, were necessarily quite modest during his lifetime. Located in the British Museum, London
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Media ID 14875098
© Art Media / Heritage-Images
1st Century Bc Augustos Augustus Augustus Caesar Caesar Caesar Augustus Cameo Emperor Augustus Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Gaius Octavius Headband Octavian Onyx Roman Empire Sardonyx 1st Century Print Collector4
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This print showcases the exquisite "Cameo of the Emperor Augustus" a remarkable piece carved from a three-layered sardonyx. This cameo is just a fragment of what was once a larger portrait of Augustus, the first Roman emperor who reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD. In this majestic depiction, Augustus stands in an authoritative pose, donning a sword-belt symbolizing his military power and wearing the revered aegis associated with the goddess Minerva. Interestingly, during medieval times, an embellished jewelled headband was added to augment this already awe-inspiring artwork. However, it is important to note that such depictions of Augustus openly assuming divine attributes were likely intended for only select eyes. The dissemination of such images could have sparked controversy in Roman society as it still harbored deep mistrust towards monarchy and yearned for the return of its beloved Republic. The Roman Republic had been dismantled through violent civil wars before Augustus emerged as its sole ruler. Consequently, images portraying him meant for wider consumption—such as those on coins and statues—were intentionally modest during his lifetime. Today, this extraordinary artifact finds its home at the esteemed British Museum in London where visitors can marvel at its intricate details and ponder upon the complex political climate that surrounded one of history's most influential figures: Emperor Augustus.
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