A ROMAN ONYX CAMEO

CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN ONYX CAMEO
circa 2nd century a.d.
The white upper layer of the stone carved in high relief with a facing head of Medusa emerging from the blue-black lower layer, her face framed by curling locks of hair, with two wings above
5/8 in. (1.6 cm.) long

Lot Essay

Medusa masks were one of the most popular subjects for Roman cameos. They were worn as amulets to deflect the evil eye and to protect the wearer from harm. For a recent discussion see pl. 86 in Henig, The Content Cameos, and for similar examples see nos. 157-164 in the same publication.