The term intaglio refers to a small image that has been engraved into a gemstone and usually set in a piece of jewellery, most commonly a ring. Such an artistic form has its origin in Sumer in the 4th millennium BC, with the appearance of cylinder and stamp seals, whereby decorations and patterns were engraved into soft stones. During the Hellenistic period and the early Roman Empire, the art of intaglio reached its apogee, with there being a steady decline in craftsmanship in the late Imperial Rome, until a revival of interest during the Byzantine period and, later, the Renaissance.
The subjects used for intaglios are diverse, and can be seen as figural signatures both in the way that these designs could be personalised to their owner, and could also function as stamps to seal one’s correspondences or authenticate documents. This particular intaglio features the popular motif of the hunting dog, or the Laconian. Ancient Romans were particular fond of this breed given its swiftness and alertness, and consequent ability to herd, guard and hunt large prey effectively.
To find out more about intaglios, please visit our relevant blog post: Engraved Gemstones in Ancient Rome.
