gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio

This essay explores the popularity of Dionysian subjects on gems. The widespread use of Dionysian images on gems has not been investigated in any depth. For example, Richter suggested that Greek mythological subjects on gems simply show the appreciation of Greek art and literature, and she did not even look at Dionysian images explicitly. Maaskant-Kleibrink, in a short study of a maenadic gem found in Nymegen, wondered whether that image “might very well have served as a kind of pin-up girl for the Roman soldier in a far outpost.” Indeed, Dionysian gems could have functioned on the highbrow level as evidence of classical learning and on the lowbrow level as an expression of sensory pleasure. However, the stereotype of erudite Romans choosing exalted subjects from the repertory of Greek myth and theater is misleading. Although these images may make loose reference to the mysteries of Dionysos, satyrs and maenads are not actual celebrants and these displays do not document religious practices. I suggest that images of satyrs and maenads on gems and other media reveal a growing predilection in Roman pleasure culture for boisterous and racy subjects.