Sujet

Fragment of an Engraved Gem, first half of 1st century A.D. Creator: Unknown.

Légende

Fragment of an Engraved Gem, first half of 1st century A.D. Additional Info: Understanding the political importance of the royal portrait, Alexander the Great created a distinctive representation distinguished by his long, flowing, leonine hairstyle. Although he died in 323 B.C., portraits of him remained popular for centuries, especially in the early Roman Empire. The first Roman emperor, Augustus, encouraged comparisons between himself and Alexander, his most powerful predecessor. In common with the Hellenistic rulers who proceeded him, Augustus exploited this connection to symbolically emphasize his legitimacy and right to rule. Thus, Alexander portraits such as this Roman carved gem were popular during his reign. Augustus even used a signet ring with a portrait of Alexander to seal official documents. Augustus's successors likewise encouraged Alexander imagery.

Crédit

Photo12/Heritage Images/Heritage Art

Notre référence

HRM24A66_201

Model release

NA

Property release

NA

Licence

Droits gérés

Format disponible

64,2Mo (2,6Mo) / 38,3cm x 42,0cm / 4523 x 4960 (300dpi)

Mots clés

portrait Italy close up people red head country Rome monarch color profile king royal jewellery jewelry hair Roman location century jewel gem antiquity image hairstyle royalty studio shot close-up closeup fragment antiquities hairdo gemstone engraved engraving hairdressing Colour Macedonia Macedonian Ancient Roman Ancient Rome 1st century carnelian cornelian sovereign Alexander the Great object Unknown King of Macedonia Alexander III of Macedon Iskander Iskandar 1st century AD Alexander III of Macedonia Heritage Art Jewelry King of Macedonia Cornelian FragmentsGem