Getty Museum

Cameo set in a modern ring

Date

100–1 B.C.

Medium

Sardonyx

Culture

Roman

Department

Jewelry

Institution

Getty Museum

A woman and a girl, following one another, decorate this cameo. The woman places her right hand on the girl's shoulder, apparently encouraging her to step forward; with her left hand, the woman seems to indicate where the child should go. The girl moves as if she were walking in a procession; she carries a pitcher in her right hand and a lighted torch in her left. Traces of gold gilding appear on both figures. This charming representation has an intimate, domestic quality, and creates the impression that a particular incident from daily life is being depicted. Several elements suggest a religious occasion: the scene appears to take place at night, the girl appears about to take her place in a procession, and her pitcher could be used in a ceremonial libation. However, the clues are too few to allow certainty about the meaning of the image. The gold ring into which this cameo is set is modern.

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