Bague à intaille

This gold ring features a molded body at the top. The oval head (oval head with intaglio (11.6 x 9.4 mm)) is set with a speckled bluestone intaglio (probably lapis lazuli). The latter is engraved with a slightly lanky, helmeted figure holding a spear and a shield resting on the ground, similar to the figures of Mars Ultor (Mars Ultor). The treatment of the body is rather coarse: spindly limbs, waist highlighted by two grooves. This divinity appeared on Roman intaglios from the time of Augustus onwards; the emperor erected a statue and a temple in his honor in Rome. The image was repeated on coins, especially in the 2nd century. The ring's mounting and setting on a non-darkened frame are in keeping with the coin's context: 16th - 18th century. The intaglio has the appearance of an antique engraved stone (2nd-3rd century?). However, the two grooves above the figure's waist call into question the age of this piece. Indeed, this treatment does not seem to correspond to the usual dress of antique figures. Moreover, during the 16th-18th centuries, copies of Roman intaglios were made, notably in lapis lazuli. The distinction between ancient and modern stones is sometimes based on small details.