Italy, Roman / 1–100 CE
Cameo: Head of a Woman
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Cameo: Head of a Woman as jewelry (Italy, Roman · 1–100 CE).
The metal setting is modern; this gem was likely originally a roundel.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this jewelry as amethyst.
The museum's collection notes: This carved amethyst cameo depicts a woman wearing a laurel wreath and a palla , a cloak worn by Roman noblewomen. The palla is tucked behind the woman’s ears and is visible over her right shoulder. She may have been a member of the Julio-Claudian imperial family or a wealthy private individual. In her hairstyle, straight nose, and small but full mouth the woman closely resembles portrait cameos identified as Antonia Minor, niece of the emperor Augustus and mother of the emperor Claudius. Only elite Romans could use amethyst; true purple stones had to be imported to Rome at great expense.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtCameo: Head of a WomanOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.