Sardonyx Cameos of Emperor Augustus

These magnificent museum gemstone cameos depict Augustus as a heroic leader and imply his equality with the gods.
Sardonyx Cameos of Emperor Augustus
Sardonyx cameo portrait of the Emperor Augustus, circa AD 41–54. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Public Domain
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Augustus (63 B.C. –A.D. 14) was the first emperor of Rome. Born Gaius Octavius, he was later adopted by his great-uncle, Julius Caesar, and then known as Octavian. After Caesar’s assassination, Octavian joined forces with Mark Antony to avenge the murder. However, rivalries between the two led to civil war.

Octavian was the victor, defeating the alliance of Antony and Cleopatra. He took control of the entire Roman world, made Egypt one of its provinces, and added further territories. Octavian replaced the previous Roman republic system of government with a form of autocracy that strived to preserve the illusion of republican ideals to placate the people.

Michelle Plastrik
Michelle Plastrik
Author
Michelle Plastrik is an art adviser living in New York City. She writes on a range of topics, including art history, the art market, museums, art fairs, and special exhibitions.