Gold ring with an carnelian intaglio of Mars, Roman 2nd century A.

A gold ring set with an ancient carnelian intaglio of Mars Gradivus.

Roman, 2nd century A.D.

Ring size O 1/2 UK / 7.25 US.

The intaglio measures 1.6 x 1.1cm.

The god of war is striding left, he carries a spear with one hand and with the other he rests a trophy upon his shoulder.

The reverse of the intaglio is engraved with the word ‘ADYNAIE’ which is probably the name of the original owner.

The ring is modern and made from high carat gold.

A similar burnt agate intaglio can be found in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Accession number; 65.627.

Another example can be found in the Paoletti Collection, ‘La Collezione Paoletti, Stampi in vetro per impronte de intagli e cammei’, page. 97, fig. 299.