An Imperial Portrait Cameo of Antonia Minor in a 14th-Century Reliquary Cross in Prague

The present study explores a little-studied and reinterpreted early Roman Imperial cameo depicting Antonia Minor (36 bc–ad 37), which came into the possession of Holy emperor, Charles IV Luxembourg (1316–78), collector ancient gems. It was presumably by his order that set in splendid gold reliquary cross he commissioned after imperial coronation to house relics True Cross. Thus, new setting, could be perceived as divine Minor; Helena, mother Constantine Great, who allegedly discovered Cross; or Saint Catherine, Charles’ heavenly protectress. is today preserved Treasury Vitus Cathedral, Prague.