Ancient Roman Serapis Intaglio in an Edwardian Ring

Echoing the voices of ancient times is this 2nd century CE intaglio of the Hellenistic- Egyptian deity Serapis. Deeply carved into the surface of a convex reddish-brown eye agate, the left profile image depicts the god in his anthropomorphic form represented as a man wearing a Greek chiton and having a Greek hairstyle and full beard. On his head, he wears the modius (a Roman grain measure which held about a quarter of a bushel) which symbolizes the fertility and bounty of the earth and his association with Osiris, the god of grain.

In addition, there are letters carved on the side of the image which may be either a form of ancient Greek or a Romanized version of Greek that was possibly used to date coins and other engravings. Here the letters “translate” to the year 230 CE which correlates with our estimated date of origin. This beautiful artifact of antiquity has been set into a late 19th century 14k gold mount with a slight rose gold hue.

Condition: Excellent; light to medium scuffing on outer rim of the stone when viewed with magnification. The intaglio is remains clear and fine. Ring has visible evidence of old resizing as three small dark lines within the gold at the back. If resized, this can be removed.

Measurements: 5/8 of an inch (1.7 cm) north to south on the finger and rises 3/16 of an inch (0.5 cm). The stone is 14 mm long by 11 mm wide. The ring with intaglio has a weight of 7.7 grams. Currently a size US 11-3/4 (UK X; Euro 21.25, 67 mm) and can be sized up or down to fit your specific requirements.

Date: Intaglio is 2nd century CE; ring is later 19th century.

Historical Notes: Ptolemy I (367/6-283 BCE) a successor to Alexander the Great, founded the cult of Serapis. Initially an Egyptian god, Serapis was “recreated” by Ptolemy in such a fashion to unify his Greek and Egyptian subjects in the worship of a god that both cultures could appreciate. This deity exerted enormous influence on the Roman populace.