Gold ring with carnelian intaglio: Eros with flaming torch
Eros leaning on an inverted torch.
These items, all found on Cyprus, are very representative of Roman decorative jewelry, in which various designs are combined and highlighted with colored gems in order to make them look as rich and impressive as possible. Similar jewelry is found throughout the Roman Empire.
1. Gold, beryl, and garnet earrings, 3rd century A.D. (74.51.3967, .3968)
2. Gold and carnelian ring, carved with the figure of Eros, late 1st century B.C.–1st century A.D. (74.51.4233)
3. Gold and carnelian ring, 1st–early 3rd century A.D. (74.51.4234)
4. Gold and pearl earrings, 3rd century A.D. (74.51.3853, .3854)
5. Gold and garnet ring, 1st century B.C.–1st century A.D. (74.51.4261)
6. Gold and beryl ring, late 1st century B.C.–early 1st century A.D. (74.51.4272)
7. Gold and banded agate ring, 1st–2nd century A.D. (74.51.4264)
8. Gold and garnet ring, 2nd century A.D. (74.51.4262)
These items, all found on Cyprus, are very representative of Roman decorative jewelry, in which various designs are combined and highlighted with colored gems in order to make them look as rich and impressive as possible. Similar jewelry is found throughout the Roman Empire.
1. Gold, beryl, and garnet earrings, 3rd century A.D. (74.51.3967, .3968)
2. Gold and carnelian ring, carved with the figure of Eros, late 1st century B.C.–1st century A.D. (74.51.4233)
3. Gold and carnelian ring, 1st–early 3rd century A.D. (74.51.4234)
4. Gold and pearl earrings, 3rd century A.D. (74.51.3853, .3854)
5. Gold and garnet ring, 1st century B.C.–1st century A.D. (74.51.4261)
6. Gold and beryl ring, late 1st century B.C.–early 1st century A.D. (74.51.4272)
7. Gold and banded agate ring, 1st–2nd century A.D. (74.51.4264)
8. Gold and garnet ring, 2nd century A.D. (74.51.4262)
Artwork Details
- Title: Gold ring with carnelian intaglio: Eros with flaming torch
- Period: Early Imperial
- Date: late 1st century BCE–1st century CE
- Culture: Roman, Cypriot
- Medium: Carnelian, gold
- Dimensions: 1/2 × 3/8 × 5/8 in. (1.3 × 1 × 1.6 cm)
- Classifications: Gems, Gold and Silver
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.4233
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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