Ancient Roman Iron Ring Bezel with Intaglio of a Satyr

Object Description

A very fine Ancient Roman intaglio, set in an iron ring bezel, now fragmented, depicting a satyr. The iron bezel frames the oval inlay, extending to the shoulders of the ring, beyond which has been chipped and is now missing. Intricately engraved, the intaglio shows a crouching satyr, possibly dancing, facing left. Shown in profile, the satyr raises his left hand, towards his face, which holds a bunch of grapes. In his lowered right hand, he holds a long, transverse thyrsus; a staff wrapped with ivy carried by Bacchus and his followers. Over his far shoulder, an animal skin, possibly a nebris’, a faun-skin, or a panther skin, hangs off his curving back. His legs, bent at the knees, and set apart, stand on a straight ground line. Rendered naturalistically, the details of his musculature and his facial features, including his straight nose, closed mouth, small eye, and short hair are still clearly visible. The stone of the intaglio, possibly serpentine, is opaque and presents with a dark green colouring.

Date: Circa 1st-3rd Century AD

Object Condition

Fine condition. Earthly encrustation to the surface, as well as rusting, patina, and tarnishing to the metal. The ring is fragmentary with only the bezel remaining. Some rusting to the intaglio from the ring setting. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chipping, pitting, weathering, and scratches.

Object Details