Ancient Roman Jasper Gem Intaglio of Silenus & Dionysus

Code: 11042

This is an ancient Roman jasper intaglio, dating to the 1st - 2nd century A.D. It is nicely cut with a juxtaposed portrait of Silenus and Dionysus holding a thyrsus. This refers to Silenus the older teacher of Dionysus the god of wine (drunkenness and revelry) who Silenus taught how to party! Such a gem would have originally been set into a gold or silver finger ring, worn as a seal.

OBJECT: Intaglio

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 1st - 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Jasper

SIZE: 10mm x 8mm x 2mm

WEIGHT: 0.41 grams

PROVENANCE: Formerly the property of a Mayfair gentleman.