Chalcedony intaglio ring. Intaglios are carved stones, but unlike cameos, where the design protrudes in relief, the design of an intaglio is carved into the stone, in concave relief. This pale green chalcedony with a brownish tinge is intricately carved with a youth in profile, wearing a laurel wreath, symbolising victory. The reverse is inscribed ‘Agrippa’, identifying the subject as Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, (64/62-12 BC) a high ranking general, close confidant and eventual son in law of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The art of intaglio carving originated in ancient Greece and Rome, and was revived in the Renaissance, but reached new heights of popularity in the early 19^th century, with the Napoleonic occupation of Italy. Harnessing the classical imagery of the ancient world to bolster the legitimacy of their new regime, Napoleon’s court brought cameos and intaglios to the forefront of European fashion, and this particularly fine example was most likely manufactured in Italy around this time, drawing upon ancient examples.

Interested in this ring? Email us