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Art and Archaeology of Ancient Italy

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Question:

Identify.

Author: Siena Failla

Identify.



Answer:

Gemma Augustea, probably commissioned at the end of Augustus's reign or the beginning of Tiberius's reign, 15 CE, gem carving has been popular in Italy since the Etruscans, large compared to most gem carvings (7.5 * 9 in), probably commissioned as a private piece by Tiberius which would then be shown off, cameo on bluish-black onyx gemstone. Top register: depicts Augustus on a throne mostly nude leaning on a sceptor (greek in style), he is being crowned (the civic crown) by Oikoumene (Harmony), he is seated next to Roma who is wearing a helmet and resting a foot on a shield, Tiberius is off to the left stepping off a chariot (symbolism for his military victories), Victory is behind Tiberius, Tellus to the right with 2 children. It is showing Augustus as one of the gods. Bottom register: depicts Tiberius's victory over the Germans in 12 BCE, the figures wearing helmets are the Romans, they are holding the Tropian (a symbol of victory), the scene is mid action, they are setting it up over the conquered Germans, believed that Castor and Pollux are two of the soldiers, the figure helping set up the tropian in the elaborate helmet and cape could be Mars, the one female figure is most likely Diana. There are elements of portraiture (realistic faces). Showing the feats of Rome at the time.


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