Roman Glass Intaglio of a Laureate Emperor in 18K Gold Ring

Roman, Imperial period. An ancient Roman glass intaglio, newly set in an 18 karat gold ring so it can be worn. The oval gem is engraved in reverse with the head of an emperor in profile facing left. He is shown clean-shaven, with close-cropped hair under a laurel wreath, the crown of victory and imperial rank. The dark, aubergine-toned glass was cast from a mold, probably taken from a carved hardstone gem, a cheaper way to copy the portrait style of the imperial gem-cutters. The modern mount has a smooth oval bezel that holds the intaglio flush, set on a broad, softly sloping shank in the manner of a Roman signet ring. The inside of the band is struck with three marks: "750" for the gold standard and two marks that cannot be read. Molded glass intaglios became widespread in the late Republic and early Empire. Craftsmen pressed hot glass into molds taken from engraved gems, which brought the look of carved carnelian, amethyst, or sardonyx to a much wider public. Dark violet and brown glass was often used to imitate amethyst and garnet. Rings set with the emperor's portrait were a familiar way to show loyalty to the imperial house. The laurel wreath, beardless face, and short hair follow the official portrait conventions used from Augustus through the early second century, when Hadrian made the beard fashionable. Item # 198056

Estimate:$2,000

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