ROMAN CARNELIAN INTAGLIO DEPICTING EROS RIDING A DOLPHIN IN HIGH KARAT GOLD RING Ca. AD 100-300. An oval carnelian intaglio engraved with a depiction of Eros riding a dolphin showing the nude figure seated astride the animal with wings extending behind his shoulders. The dolphin is shown in left profile, its head slightly raised and tail curled upwards, positioned above a series of curved lines representing waves. The intaglio is mounted within a broad gold bezel, flanked on either side by granulated spheres and scroll-shaped elements extending from the concave hoop. For similar see: The British Museum, Museum number 1987,0212.188; Richter G.M.A., Catalogue of Engraved Gems. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, Plate XLII, nos. 313, 314. Size: D:17.93mm / US: 7 3/4 / UK: P; Weight: 6.46g Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in South German private collection 1980s-early1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. Reviewed by Sami Fortune, an ancient jewellery specialist.