Roman Empire, circa 200 AD
This heavy and finely crafted Roman ring, made from high karat gold (approximately 20.95 kt), features a carnelian intaglio, masterfully engraved with a richly symbolic pastoral scene. The composition is both intricate and balanced: a tree stands at the center, anchoring the landscape. To the left, a man watches attentively as a dog pursues a hare, while on the far right, Eros – the god of love – is poised with his bow drawn, aiming at the fleeing animal.
The image is more than a hunt: it is a symbolic tableau. In Greco-Roman mythology, hares were sacred to Venus (Aphrodite) and Eros, representing both fertility and erotic desire. Engraved hares often appeared on betrothal or wedding rings, and the giving of live hares between lovers was a well-documented tradition in antiquity. This scene, then, likely carried romantic or amatory significance, possibly commemorating love, pursuit, and union.
The gold of the ring has a rich warm patina from age.
The intaglio measures 11 x 10 mm (7/16 x 3/8 in.)
Width at the widest point is 13 mm (1/2 in.)
Metal analysis: 87.33% gold, 7.08% silver, 5.60% copper.
Weight is 14.67 grams.
All original, intact and wearable.
Ring size 8 (resizable)
