Brooch with Intaglio Portrait of Emperor Constans in the Cloisters, October 2009

Star-Shaped Brooch with Intaglio, setting 960–1000, intaglio 337–361
Ottonian (setting), Byzantine (intaglio)
Gold with pearls and star sapphire
Diam. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1988 (1988.15)

This sumptuous object was created to preserve a rare gem carved with the likeness of one of Constantine's sons. The Ottonian emperors regarded themselves as the inheritors of the Christian Roman empire established by Constantine, and this piece was likely commissioned by a member of the Ottonian imperial family.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1988.15