Venustus
artist.
This name is found on the celebrated marble of Antium, as that of a freedman of the imperial family, in the time of Claudius, whose profession is described by the letters SPEC, which Vulpi interprets
Speculator, but which, according to Raoul-Rochette, should be read
Speclarius, that is, a manufacturer of the glass ornaments employed in the decoration of houses. M. R. Rochette brings forward strong arguments in support of his opinion, showing that there was a distinct class of such artists,
speclarii, speculorum or
speculariorum fabri, and that they existed at Rome as a body corporate,
Collegium Speclariorum. (Tabul. Antiat. 5.23. p. 15, Rom. 1726, 4to; R. Rochette,
Lettre à M. Schorn, pp. 422-425, 2d ed.)
[
P.S]