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Gemma Augustea

Gemma Augustea is an ancient Roman cameo, regarded as one of the finest Roman artworks. It was made from black-and-white onyx, also known as Arabian onyx, and measures 22.9 × 18.7 cm. It is thought to have been created by Dioscurides or one of his pupils between 10 and 20 CE. The relief is divided into two horizontal zones: the upper scene presents Augustus, Roma, Tiberius, Victoria, and other symbolic figures, while the lower scene shows Roman soldiers raising a trophy with Mars, captives, and allied or personified figures. The cameo is believed to commemorate Tiberius’ victory over the Germans in 7 CE. It is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

Gemma Augustea cameo with white carved figures in two registers, including a chariot scene above and captives below.
Gemma Augustea, a carved cameo showing an upper imperial scene and a lower register of figures below.
© · Public domain
Sepia-toned reproduction of the Gemma Augustea showing an oval Roman relief with figures arranged in two registers.
Gemma Augustea, an oval Roman relief shown in a sepia-toned reproduction.
© Rijksmuseum · CC0
Antique black-and-white print of the Gemma Augustea showing its two-tiered relief with imperial figures above and soldiers, captives, and trophies below.
The Gemma Augustea shown in a detailed antique print, with the imperial scene above and military figures below.
1700 © onbekend (prentmaker) · Public domain
Gemma Augustea engraving showing a two-tiered classical scene with divine figures above and soldiers with captives below.
Engraving of the Gemma Augustea, with a classical scene above and a military scene below.
© prentmaker: Nicolaes Ryckmans (vermeld op object) naar prent van: Paulus Pontius · Public domain
Sepia drawing of the Gemma Augustea showing a two-tiered classical relief with enthroned figures above and soldiers below.
Rubens’s drawing of the Gemma Augustea depicts the relief in two registers, with imperial figures above and soldiers below.
1621 © · Public domain

Identification

TitleGemma Augustea
Alternative titlesGemma Augusta; Gema de Augusto; Gema Augusta; Gema Augusteia; Vienna Cameo
TypeAncient Roman cameo

Historical context

DateProbably made around AD 10–20; some scholars date it later, up to the reign of Caligula
SubjectThe apotheosis of Augustus; probably commemorates Tiberius's victory over the Germanic peoples in AD 7, and is associated with the triumph awarded to Tiberius in AD 12

Creator

AttributionProbably Dioscurides of Aegeae in Cilicia or one of his students/disciples
WorkshopProbably the imperial workshop of Dioscorides in Rome; possibly made in Augustus's court circle

Physical characteristics

Dimensions23 × 19 cm
ThicknessAbout 1.3 cm

Materials

Layer colorsOne layer is white; the other is bluish-brown to brownish-blue
StoneTwo-layer Arabian sardonyx (Arabian onyx)

Technique

TechniqueLow-relief carving

Appearance

CompositionThe surface is divided horizontally into two relief zones
Upper registerAugustus is seated with Roma and surrounded by allegorical figures; Tiberius descends from a chariot with Victoria; Capricorn appears above Augustus; an eagle is at Augustus's feet
Lower registerRoman soldiers, assisted by Mars, erect a trophy while captives and other figures look on

Iconography and meaning

Crowning figureOikoumene/Ecumenus, personification of the inhabited world, crowning Augustus with a civic crown
Possible interpretationsSome captive-like figures have also been interpreted as gods or personifications; a figure with a broad-brimmed hat may personify Thracian troops, and another may personify the Spanish provinces
Lower register symbolsA scorpion on a shield behind the Macedonian soldier, also on the trophy shield; interpreted as a zodiac sign linked to Augustus's birth month or to Tiberius's victory
Lower register figuresRoman soldiers erect a tropaion or victory monument, while barbarian captives are humiliated and observed; one allied Macedonian soldier stands beside the Romans
GermanicusA young figure beside Roma, probably Germanicus in officer's attire
Right-side figuresGaea/Tellus/Italia, Oceanus/Okeanos, and possibly Telo with children
EagleSymbol of Jupiter and the Roman legions; also a sign of Augustus's deification
VictoriaThe goddess of victory, standing on or driving the chariot behind Tiberius
TiberiusShown descending from a chariot or biga, wearing a laurel wreath
CapricornAugustus's birth constellation and favorite symbol
RomaPersonification of Roma seated beside Augustus
Augustus attributesScepter and augur's staff
Lower register meaningSymbolism of victory
Upper register meaningSymbolizes Augustus's military power over the world

Location and ownership

Current mountingSet in a 17th-century German gold ring setting with ornamental openwork on the back
Inventory numberIXa 79; AS IXa 79
Current locationCollection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

Discovery and provenance

First recorded mention1246, in the treasury of the Abbey of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse, France
Earlier provenanceUndocumented before 1246; possibly transferred from the imperial palaces on the Palatine to Byzantium under Constantine I
Later ownershipAcquired by Francis I of France in 1533, taken to Paris and Fontainebleau, then stolen around 1590 and sold to Rudolf II for 12,000 ducats/gold coins
Later locationPlaced in the German treasury after acquisition by Rudolf II

History and restoration

Condition and damageThe gem was damaged before 1700; the upper-left part broke off and at least one figure was lost

Significance

Artistic significanceConsidered one of the most beautiful Roman monuments, one of the masterpieces of glyptics, one of the most valuable cameos in the world, and one of the highlights of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's Antikensammlung
Comparative statusOne of the largest surviving ancient cameos

Other

Artistic periodAugustan classicism
Historical groupingOne of the so-called State Cameos