Details

COLEM:1981.1.4709

Colchester Collections

intaglio, inscription

Roman nicolo intaglio depicting a satyr seated on a rock next to a tree. In his right hand he holds a cup and, in his left, a bunch of grapes. The intaglio is inscribed on the reverse with the graffito EYCE/BI - the Greek name Eusebios. This, and another from Colchester, are the only two intaglios known from Britain with makers signatures. The inscribed names suggest that a gem-cutting workshop, employing Greek freemen, was perhaps operating in Colchester in the second century AD. Found at Culver Street, Colchester. First century AD. Intaglios are engraved gems that were used as a form of personal signature, similar to the modern-day signet ring. In the Roman period, intaglios were mounted as the bezel on finger rings, and were carved from coloured precious stones such as chalcedony, carnelian, onyx and jasper. They were used across the Roman Empire to stamp the wax seals of e.g. letters and legal documents, so that the recipient would know the seal had not been broken and the contents interfered with. As well as practical devices they were also a sign of status and identity for their wearer. Intaglios were used by both men and women and those in Colchester Museums’ collection depict various Roman gods, goddesses and mythical figures. The designs were highly personal to the owner and often related to their personal life or profession.

Roman

EVCE / BI

Eusebios'

length: 12.00 mm

In Store