Ancient Roman Silver Seal Ring with Carnelian Bacchus Intaglio

Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid. Ancient Roman silver seal ring with a broad, flat hoop set with an oval carnelian intaglio. The gemstone is bezel-set within a smooth silver mount and engraved with a reclining nude male figure in a relaxed pose, holding a wine cup in one hand. The figure is likely representing the Roman god Bacchus (Dionysus) or a Dionysian subject. The carnelian displays a rich translucent red-orange tone, highly valued in Roman glyptic art. The intaglio engraving is finely cut, allowing the image to appear in relief when impressed into wax, indicating its function as a personal seal. The ring band is wide and flat on the interior, tapering slightly towards the bezel. Outside diameter: ± 24,5 mm Inside diameter: ± 21,6 x 17,8 mm Condition: intact and wearable condition. Surface wear consistent with age and use. Minor abrasions to the silver hoop. The carnelian intaglio remains securely set with light surface wear commensurate with age. Certificate of Authenticity (PDF-format): available upon request. -> Carnelian was one of the most popular gemstones in the Roman world due to its durability and warm colour. Intaglios depicting mythological or genre scenes were widely worn as both decorative jewellery and functional seals. Rings of this type reflect Roman taste for classical imagery and demonstrate the skill of ancient gem engravers, offering insight into personal identity, status and cultural affiliation within the Empire. -> Bacchus (Greek: Dionysus) was the Roman god of wine, fertility, theatre and ecstatic celebration. He was associated with pleasure, liberation and the transformative power of wine. Often depicted as a youthful, sometimes androgynous figure, he appears nude or lightly draped, frequently holding a drinking cup (kantharos) or a thyrsus staff entwined with ivy. In Roman culture, Bacchus symbolised abundance, vitality and joyful excess, and his imagery was popular in art, jewellery and domestic decoration. Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics. Laboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material. Before modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.

Estimate:$476.9

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