Gemma Augustae relief

Product description

This relief is based on the Gemma Augustae. The original is a bas-relief made in cameo, presumably created in 10 AD by Dioscorides or one of his pupils.

The upper part of the relief depicts the court of Emperor Augustus. 1, The enthroned figure, presumably Emperor Augustus. 2, the figure placing a laurel on his head. 3, Oikoumene: the personification of the civilized world. 4, unknown. 5, Oceanus or Neptune. 6, the personification of Tellus or Italia. 7 & 8, presumably representations of water. 9, the sun, presumably symbolizing the seasons. 10, the eagle of Jupiter.

The lower half is much harder to read, likely depicting the expansion of the empire. 11, Celts or Germanic tribes, dauntless and with wild facial expressions. 12, 15, 18, 19 & 20 depict Mars and the Roman conquest of an area. 16 & 17 possibly show the constellation of Gemini. 13 is possibly Diana.

Made from plaster alabaster, it measures 23 x 19 cm. The back includes a hook for hanging it on a wall.