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HOME :
Intaglio Jewelry :
Roman Seal Rings : Roman Carnelian Intaglio the Bust of an Empress
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Roman Carnelian Intaglio the Bust of an Empress - FJ.6836
Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 100
AD
to 300
AD
Medium: Carnelian-Gold
Additional Information: 18 Karat Gold Ring
$4,900.00
Location: United States
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| Photo Gallery |
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| Description |
This Genuine Ancient Seal Has Been Mounted in
a Modern 18 Karat White Gold Ring
The art of glyptics, or carving images on colored
precious stones, is probably one of the oldest
known to humanity. Intaglios, gems with an
incised design, were made as early as the fourth
and third millennia B.C. in Mesopotamia and the
Aegean Islands. They exhibit a virtuosity of
execution that suggests an old and stable
tradition rooted in the earliest centuries. The
tools required for carving gems were simple: a
wheel with a belt-drive and a set of drills.
Abrasives were necessary since the minerals
used were too hard for a metal edge. A special
difficulty of engraving intaglios, aside from their
miniature size, was that the master had to work
with a mirror-image in mind.
A portrait of an empress or goddess has been
engraved onto the polished surface of this
precious gemstone. While we can only guess the
identity of this woman, we can easily appreciate
the masterful work of the Ancient Roman glyptic
artist. Her hair has been elegantly styled and a
portion of her folded toga is visible along her
shoulder. Although her identity can be debated,
the beauty of this empress is unquestionable.
Surely such a glorious beauty is suitable to
decorate such a stunning ring. While the Roman
Empire has fallen, their achievement will be
forever remembered thanks to monumental ruins
such as the coliseum. However, perhaps there is
no better reminder than this seal, a close
intimate memorial to an individual. It is through
the eyes of this young empress that we are
connected with the glories of antiquity.
- (FJ.6836)
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