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Lansky Auction 3 5 Jan 2021
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A Roman sardonyx cameo with a portrait of Caracalla. 3rd century AD. 22mm. Formerly broken. With a bold and realistic portrait. From a private collection; former Roberto Russo (1945-2012) collection
Formally known as Antoninus, Caracalla - popular nickname which referred to the Gallic hooded tunic Antoninus habitually wore and which he made fashionable - was a rough-and-ready soldier, son of Septimius Severus. In his official portraiture, he abandoned the luxuriant hair and beard of his predecessors for a military style, characterized by closely cropped curls, a stubble beard and a realistic and threatening presence. This new look was an overnight success and dominated Roman art for a century.
Formally known as Antoninus, Caracalla - popular nickname which referred to the Gallic hooded tunic Antoninus habitually wore and which he made fashionable - was a rough-and-ready soldier, son of Septimius Severus. In his official portraiture, he abandoned the luxuriant hair and beard of his predecessors for a military style, characterized by closely cropped curls, a stubble beard and a realistic and threatening presence. This new look was an overnight success and dominated Roman art for a century.