Sardonyx cameo of a double capricorn with a portrait of the emperor Augustus

Unknown

ca. 27 BCE–14 CE · Sardonyx, gold · Greek and Roman Art

The cameo bears a medallion with a portrait of Augustus supported on the horns of a double-headed goat. The imagery represents the constellation Capricorn, which was adopted by the Emperor Augustus as his own lucky star sign and was used as an imperial symbol on such things as coins and legionary standards.

Artist: Unknown
Date: ca. 27 BCE–14 CE
Medium: Sardonyx, gold
Culture: Roman
Department: Greek and Roman Art
Credit line: Gift of Milton Weil, 1929

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