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The Great Cameo of France, a five-layered sardonyx cameo divided into three level and depicting members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, circa 23 AD, Cabinet des Médailles, Paris
The Great Cameo of France, a five-layered sardonyx cameo divided into three level and depicting members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, circa 23 AD, Cabinet des Médailles, Paris

The “Grand Camée de France” (Great cameo of France), a five-layered sardonyx cameo, is the largest cameo sculpture to survive from the ancient world. The Camée contains 24 engraved figures arrayed in three registers. The general meaning and propagandistic intent of the work are clear: to assert the continuity and dynastic legitimacy of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

In the upper level there are its dead members. Augustus, portrayed as “pontifex maximus” is in the center; the founder of the dynasty is surrounded by Nero Claudius Drusus or Drusus minor, son of Tiberius and Vipsania Agrippina, and by Germanicus, son of Drusus major and Antonia minor, riding a winged horse. The floating figure with Eastern-style dress, carrying a globe in his hands, could be Aeneas or his son Julius, the founders of the “Gens Julia”.

In the middle level there are the living ones: the emperor Tiberius and his mother Livia are sitting on the throne in the middle of the scene. In front of the emperor, his designed heir Nero Caesar (son of Germanicus and Agrippina the elder) is standing, and beside him, his wife Julia daughter of Drusus minor and Livilla. Behind Nero Cesar his mother-in-law Livilla is portrayed; in front of her one can see the third son of Germanicus, young Gaius Caesar, the future emperor Caligula. Behind Tiberius, Drusus Caesar, the second son of Germanicus and Agrippina the elder, is portrayed with his mother.

Near the throne, just to Livia’s feet, a captive wearing a typical costume of the Parthia.

In the lowest level there are captive barbarians.

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Taken on: October 1, 2015
Sets appears in:   • Cabinet des médailles, Paris   
Camera: Nikon D5100, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, 92mm (=138mm), ISO 800 (more info) (hide info)
Camera: Nikon D5100
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure Time: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Focal Length: 92mm (35mm equivalent: 138mm)
ISO: 800
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program: Not Defined
Exposure Mode: Auto
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
White Balance: Auto
Gain Control: Low gain up
Color Space: sRGB
Software: Ver.1.01
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The Great Cameo of France, a five-layered sardonyx cameo divided into three level and depicting members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, circa 23 AD, Cabinet des Médailles, Paris

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