Hat Badge with a Cameo of a Laureate Head
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1550-c. 1600 with later modifications
This hat badge consists of a carved agate cameo mounted in an enameled gold frame. The oval cameo features a profile bust of a bearded, laureate male figure carved in pale stone against a dark background. The surrounding gold bezel and decorative border are embellished with polychrome enamel detailing in white and blue, and small metal loops are positioned along the rim and at the top.
The piece measures 4.2 by 3.2 cm (1 3/16 by 1 in.) and was created in Northern Italy. It is dated to circa 1550 to circa 1600, with later modifications noted. The back of the mount is engraved with the inscription "Lucius Verus".
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The piece was published in M. H. Nevil Story-Maskelyne's 1870 catalog of The Marlborough Gems and later featured in a study of Renaissance jewelry from the Alsdorf Collection.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Agate, gold, and enamel
- Dimensions
- 4.2 × 3.2 cm (1 3/16 × 1 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Back engraved: "Lucius Verus"
- Maker recorded
- Italian
- Place recorded
- Northern Italy
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Hat Badge with a Cameo of a Laureate Head
- Museum object number
- 1992.553
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.