Rings were very popular in the Roman Empire,
occasionally collected in great numbers by
wealthy individuals. The Roman writer Martial
speaks of a man who wore six rings on every
finger day and night because he did not own a
ring case! This exciting intaglio shows a nearly
naked young woman riding on the back of an
enormous phallus. There is a strong suggestion
that this gem was commissioned, either for
someone with erotic tastes, or as an insignia of a
fertility cult. It should also be mentioned that
pornography in the form of vase paintings, wall
paintings, oil lamps and mirror covers were
popular in the Republic and Imperial period,
particularly among the-Julio-Claudian emperors.
On this intaglio humor blends with sexuality in
an esoteric image that will be a continuous
source of amazement and amusement.
- (FJ.5922)
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