Greco-Roman
Ring with Intaglio, 332 BCE - 395 CE
Sard and brilliants in gold setting, 2 cm (13/16 in.)
This ring contains an oval, carved orange stone surrounded by 14 individual stones in a thick white gold setting and band. The orange stone has been carved below the surface to produce an image in relief in a process known as intaglio. The carved image appears to be a nude figure, with his right hand on his hip and his left arm and hand reaching forward. He reaches toward and touches a figure with a round head and large beak. Two large, crossed arrows appear behind the figure. Three of the stones which surround this carving are purple, a few appear to be amber, and the rest are clear.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.