Intaglio of Cow with its Calf
Roman, 2nd to 1st Century B.C.
Banded Agate, Length: 1/2 inch.

This agate intaglio has rendered in exquisite detail the figure of a cow licking its nursing calf, depicted on a ground line with a small tree next to her, surrounded by a hatched border. This touching vignette is an example of the best quality of gem engraving that the Romans achieved, a masterpiece in miniature. The agate has been cut across the grain to produce a striking white line down the middle, just where the cows head touches the calf, as if to ad emphasise to the scene. The band also renders the image hard to read unless you get the light reflecting off the surface as in this photograph.
Currently the gem is set in a 22k gold ring, size 9 by Tom Swope.