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Beryl intaglio with portrait of Julia Domna

ca. 200–210 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 169
Julia Domna was the wife of the Emperor Septimius Severus (A.D. 193–211) and the mother of Caracalla (A.D. 211–217) and his ill-fated younger brother Geta (A.D. 211–212). The empress came from Syria and introduced a distinct eastern influence into the Roman ruling elite. It was largely through her Syrian relatives that the Severan dynasty was able to continue in power until A.D. 235. Her portrait was widely copied and distributed as part of the propaganda campaign of her ambitious family.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Beryl intaglio with portrait of Julia Domna
  • Period: Mid-Imperial, Severan
  • Date: ca. 200–210 CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Beryl
  • Dimensions: H. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm)
  • Classification: Gems
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.78.90
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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