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Oval gem with a portrait bust of Lucius Verus
Roman
Imperial Period
A.D. 161–169
Medium/Technique
Amethyst
Dimensions
Overall: 0.6 x 1.5 x 1.8 cm (3/16 x 9/16 x 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number21.1219
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
Catalogue Raisonné
Lewes House Gems, no. 122 (1920; 2002, additional published references).
DescriptionIntaglio. Convex back and slight convex front, in modern gold swivel setting (hoop missing). A portrait bust of the Roman emperor Lucius Verus (reigned AD 161-69), in profile to the left. He has thick curly hair and a long beard.
ProvenanceBy 1917: with Edward Perry Warren (according to J. D. Beazley, The Lewes House Collection of Ancient Gems, no. 122: bought in England, 1917); April 7, 1921: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 30,000.00 (this figure is the total purchase price for MFA 21.1193-21.1221)