Roman Silver Ring | Carnelian Intaglio of Satyr Writing on Shield

Roman, Imperial period. A heavy silver finger ring holds a carnelian intaglio engraved with a horned satyr. He kneels on the ground and bends over a shield or plaque-like slab, as though writing or drawing on its face. The hoop widens toward the shoulders into a rounded bezel, and the oval carnelian sits flush within it, its warm orange-red glowing against the gray silver. The metal tests at 91.3% silver. The engraver used only a few quick cuts to show the hunched back, bent legs, and horned head, and the figure's concentration gives the scene a gentle humor. Rings like this likely worked as personal seals, pressing the image into wax or clay as well as adorning the hand. The satyr belongs to the Dionysian world often shown on Roman gems. Carved gems were widely used in the Roman world. Carnelian was the stone engravers chose most often, because it takes fine detail and releases cleanly from sealing wax. Satyrs and Pan figures from the followers of Dionysus are common subjects. Gem-cutters often showed them in playful versions of serious scenes, handling weapons, armor, or the tools of craftsmen. Showing a figure bent over a shield echoes the well-known image of Victory writing on a shield. Putting a goat-horned woodland creature in that role may be a deliberate joke. Item # 205334

Estimate:£452.13

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