A 19th century banded agate cameo and gold ring

A 19th century banded agate cameo and gold ring

Description

A Neoclassical two layer agate cameo and gold ring depicting Antinous, the oval shaped cameo depicting the bust of Antinous, after the Braschi Antinous in the Vatican Museum, the cameo measuring approximately 2.7 x 2.1cm, Roman set in a yellow mount with open back, with spilt shoulders and reeded shank, circa 1850, measuring 3.1 x 2.8cm, finger size P, gross weight 15.5 grams.

This cameo depicts the youth Antinous; favourite of Emperor Hadrian (117-138AD). Whilst his past is somewhat a mystery, Antinous’s relationship with Emperor Hadrian is documented through various historical sources. A cherished member of the royal retinue, Antinous accompanied Hadrian on his tours of the empire over many years. It was whilst touring in Egypt in 130CE, that Antinous fell into the River Nile and drowned. It is unclear how this came about, with historians debating many theories, a simple accident? A murderous conspiracy by members of the court? A possible human sacrifice? These questions remained unanswered. What is clear, is the affect his death had on Emperor Hadrian, who at once had Antinous deified, and a city constructed at the place of his death in Egypt, named Antinopolis.
Antinous became a popular deity, with his cult spreading quickly throughout the empire. It is believed that this was due to his human origin’s. Being once a man who died and became a god, not only was this seen as possibly more relatable than the Gods, who existed as pure divine entities, but it was believed that Antinous harboured a sympathy for mortals and exerted more effort to help them than the immortal gods.
The sculpture that this cameo is designed after is The Braschi Antinous. The sculpture was discovered during excavations in 1792-1793, in an area that is assumed to have been the villa of Hadrian. Standing nearly three metres tall, it is an impressive piece, and dates to the years immediately following Antinous’ death. The cameo depicts the head of the sculpture, with Antinous’ head in profile, crowned with a pinecone, with fantastically detailed ringlets of hair. The gold mount compliments the cameo beautifully, making it a striking piece.