WorldWide

Stunning and elegant, this cameo features the portrait of a Roman noblewoman. Cameos were often used to immortalize or profile important personalities. Dating to the reign of Emperor Caligula (37–41 C.E.), the piece portrays either Livilla (Caligula’s aunt) or Drusilla (Caligula’s beloved sister).

The woman is wearing oval drop earrings and a laurel wreath. The wreath appears to tie at the back of her head with a ribbon. In Roman times, laurel was often worn on the head as a crown of victory and success.

Measuring 3.4 inches long and 4.2 inches high, the gem is made of sardonyx (from Greek, “sard,” meaning reddish brown, and “onyx,” meaning veined gem). The cameo is on display at the British Museum.