Works of Art Exhibited at Marlborough House, 1854: Cellini's Shield

Photograph of a circular shield embossed with four episodes from the life of Julius Caesar, including the Battle of Dyrrachium when Caesar's armour-bearer cuts off the arm of his assailant; the defilement of Caesar's robe by the blood of the sacrifice; the Battle of Pharsalus and death of one of Pompey's generals; and the head and ring of Pompey brought to Caesar on his arrival in Egypt. The long inscription applied in gold around the edge attributes the fall of both Pompey and Caesar to ambition, 'than which there is no more weighty evil'.

The shield is held by the Royal Collection (RCNI 62978) and is currently on display in the Queen's Guard Chamber, Windsor Castle.