Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Venustus
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. v. 23. p. 15, Rom. 1726, 4to ; R. Rochette, Lettre à M. Schorn, pp. 422 — 425, 2d ed.) [P. S.]