3-037-123 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Cameo Gem, 1st-3rd century A.D. Additional Info: A lion reclines, resting his head on his forelegs. The thick, shaggy mane sets off the beast's head from the smooth fur of the body. Roman cameo gems frequently depicted animals. Although lions were well known to Romans from spectacles and circuses, the portrayal of a lion on a cameo probably had a symbolic meaning, perhaps emphasizing strength and fortitude.