A cameo portrait of the Roman Emperor Claudius I, who ruled from 41 to 56 AD. This fragment shows the head laureate of the Emperor and his characteristic features, clearly idealized. The sardonyx stone used here is horizontally stratified and carved so that the flesh is semi-transparent blue-white, the hair an opaque pure white and the wreath and background a tortoiseshell brown. Tentatively attributed to the famous gem-engraver Herophilos, the son of Dioskourides, the head is in perfect condition except for the loss of ribbons at the back that would probably have been of exceptional size.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Cameo Portrait of Claudius, 41–50 AD
Date supported
1939
Medium and material
Sardonyx
Dimensions
6.2 x 5.8 cm
Grant
100
Total cost
100
Get a National Art Pass and explore British Museum
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at British Museum
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.