Object Description
A very fine, ancient Roman gold ring featuring an engraved, emerald intaglio. The ring itself features a plain gold band which widens into scooped shoulders and a trumpet bezel. A thin lip encloses an inset emerald intaglio gemstone which depicts an advancing Maenad. The young follower of Dionysus is depicted standing, her head turned to the right. Her hair is bound in a chignon at the nape of her neck. She appears clothed, the drapes of her chiton clearly depicted. Around her shoulders is an animal skin, possibly a ‘nebris’, which was a faun-skin typically worn by maenads. Alternatively it could also be a panther skin, an animal favoured by Dionysus. In her left hand she holds a thyrsus, a staff wrapped with ivy carried by the deity and his followers. On the groundline is a vessel, possibly an oinochoe, with a single handle and trefoil spout. In her right hand the maenad holds another vessel, possibly a kantharos for drinking wine.
Closest UK Ring Size: H
Internal Diameter: 1.48cm
Date: Circa 1st-2nd Century AD