Bearded male head with long hair, deeply undercut and in profile to the right. Drapery is visible along the neckline. The tip of the nose has been broken off.

Although the usual attributes are missing the cameo probably represents ‘the head of the Saviour’, as described in an inventory of gems of 1872 at Windsor Castle. This type, with a halo around the head, can be found on North Italian bronze medals of the 16th century.

Text adapted from Ancient and Modern Gems and Jewels in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen, London, 2008