Ancient Roman Hardstone Agate Cameo of Emperor Hadrian

Code: 10237

This is an ancient Roman agate hardstone cameo of emperor Hadrian, dating to the early 2nd century A.D. The cameo is cut on a white layer of the agate, against a grey background of a veined agate. Being an ancient gem it bears traces of burial, with a crack to the base. Such a gem would have once been set into a gold finger ring, worn to convey patronage to the emperor, either bestowed as a gift or awarded.

Hadrian was Roman emperor from 117 to 138 A.D. In Britain, he is known for the construction of the Wall, known as Hadrian's Wall.

This ancient gem bears an old collection label on the back, this appears to be at least 18th century (Georgian) and as yet unresearched.

OBJECT: Cameo

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Agate

SIZE: 15mm x 11mm x 6mm

WEIGHT: 1.20 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection