Ancient Greek Dionysus Cameo Ring

This exceptionally rare and large ancient Greek sardonyx cameo dates to the late Hellenistic period, and features a carving of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivities. According to mythology, Dionysus is the son of Zeus and Semele. Associated with fertility, ecstasy, art and literature, the Dionysian festivals of ancient Greece included performances of tragedy and comedy. Though in early Greek art he was frequently depicted as a bearded man, his likeness on this ring is more consistent with later interpretations of the god, where he is youthful, virile and effeminate.

Circa 1st century BCE

Set in 14K yellow gold