Without the original context, it is impossible to discern whether this cameo was meant to depict Christ himself or one of his apostles. See, for example, a pectoral cross now in Dumbarton Oaks, with a beardless Christ centered between four apostles, one similarly depicted with a long pointed beard, no. 301 in Weitzmann, ed., Age of Spirituality, Late Antique and Early Christian Art, Third to Seventh Century. For the bearded Christ, in similar style, see nos. 468 and 474-475, op. cit.