76 - ROMAN GOLD RING WITH YELLOW JASPER INTAGLIO

ROMAN GOLD RING WITH YELLOW JASPER INTAGLIO C. 2ND - 3RD CENTURY A.D. gold ring, of substantial proportions, with a broad, thick band and a raised bezel projecting prominently above the finger, set with an oval yellow jasper intaglio engraved with two animals, possibly a scorpion and a stag UK: P, US: 7½ Provenance: Acquired by Stanley J. Seeger (1930–2011); Thence by descent. The intaglio of this ring is engraved with two animals in abstract forms, with features that indicate most plausible identification as a scorpion and a stag. Symbolism attached to these animals in Roman belief could suggest that the original owner of the ring was of elite standing and a military man. The stag was believed to be sacred to Diana and therefore a symbol of the hunt, an elite pastime at Rome. The scorpion was associated with the Praetorian Guard where it served as the emblem emblazoned on Praetorian standards and shields.