Ancient Roman philosopher's bust intaglio ring. Inset with an oval cornelian intaglio engraved with the bust of Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, in a closed back rubover setting, flanked by substantial broad smoothly integrated shoulders which taper through to a solid D-shape shank. Tested yellow gold, circa 2nd-3rd century AD, accompanied by a museum quality impression.
The Greek philosopher Socrates (471-399 BC), known for his grotesque appearance with balding head, beard, and pug-nose is vividly represented on this intaglio. Socrates is widely acknowledged to be one of the founders of Western philosophy.
