Object Description
A finely engraved Ancient Roman carnelian intaglio, featuring the jugate busts of the Dioscuri. Both figures are shown in profile, turned to the left. They are depicted draped and bearded, with the foreground figure wearing a hood in the shape of a dolphin. Rendered naturalistically, much attention has been paid to the details of their facial features, their hair, and beards. Short, linear incisions mark out the folds of their drapery. Before the figures, extending out from the shoulder of the far figure, there is the head of an arrow. Its tail branches out behind the pair, from their backs. The reverse of the intaglio is flat and unworked. The carnelian is orange-red in colouring and presents with a beautiful translucency.
Date: Circa 1st-3rd century AD