Blacas Cameo

The Blacas Cameo is a celebrated Graeco-Roman cameo, carved in five layers of Arabian onyx. It is generally considered to depict the Roman emperor Augustus, though some scholars have suggested alternative identifications. The cameo is named for its former owner, the Duc de Blacas.

Description and Significance:

The Blacas Cameo is notable for its large size (approximately 12.8 cm high) and the exceptional quality of its carving. Augustus is depicted in profile, wearing a gorgoneion (a protective amulet featuring the head of Medusa) on his breastplate, and an aegis (a shield or breastplate associated with Zeus or Athena) around his shoulder. His hair is styled in a manner characteristic of Augustus, and his features are idealized. The cameo is believed to have been created during Augustus' reign or shortly thereafter, possibly to commemorate a significant victory or achievement.

The layers of onyx are skillfully used to create depth and contrast, with the white layer highlighting Augustus' face and neck. The detail of the carving extends to intricate depictions of military armor and drapery.

History and Provenance:

The early history of the Blacas Cameo is somewhat obscure. It is believed to have been discovered in the Roman Empire, possibly in Italy or the Eastern Mediterranean. It resurfaced in the 19th century in the collection of Pierre-Charles-François, Duc de Blacas. The British Museum acquired the Blacas Collection, including the cameo, in 1867.

Current Location:

The Blacas Cameo is currently housed in the Department of Greece and Rome at the British Museum in London. It is one of the museum's most prized possessions and a significant example of Roman glyptic art.

Scholarly Debate:

While the identification of the figure as Augustus is the prevailing view, alternative interpretations have been proposed. Some scholars have suggested that the cameo depicts another Roman emperor or a deified Roman figure. However, the stylistic features and the overall iconography strongly support the Augustus identification.