Blacas onyx cameo

art

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The Blacas onyx cameo is a significant example of Roman gem carving, specifically a cameo that depicts Augustus in the guise of Jupiter. Cameos are miniature reliefs carved into precious stones with distinct colored layers, allowing the design to stand out. This particular cameo is part of a series of Roman gems featuring imperial figures, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the period. Such intricate carvings were highly valued and served as important artistic expressions within the Roman Empire.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Western sculpture
Sculpture in the applied arts
…great imperial cameos are the Blacas onyx, portraying Augustus in the guise of Jupiter; the Gemma Augustea, a sardonyx (an onyx with parallel layers of sard) in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, and the Grand Camée de France, a sardonyx in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, which were probably carved under
Read More
…great imperial cameos are the Blacas onyx, portraying Augustus in the guise of Jupiter; the Gemma Augustea, a sardonyx (an onyx with parallel layers of sard) in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, and the Grand Camée de France, a sardonyx in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, which were probably carved under
Read More