Brooch with Intaglio of an Emperor

Unknown

ca. 950–1000 (setting); 337–50 (intaglio) · Star sapphire, pearls, gold · The Cloisters

At its center this brooch features a rare, late Roman intaglio sapphire carved with the profile image of one of the sons of Emperor Constantine. The delicate arcade supporting the gem is typical of goldmsiths’ work created centuries later for the Ottonian emperors, who considered themselves heirs of Constantine’s Christian Roman empire. It seems therefore likely that this piece was created for a member of the Ottonian imperial family, who, by wearing it, affirmed that bond.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 950–1000 (setting); 337–50 (intaglio)

Medium

Star sapphire, pearls, gold

Culture

Ottonian (Rhineland (?)) (setting); Byzantine (intaglio)

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1988