gems, glyptic, antique gems, engraved gems, rings, agate, cameo, intaglio, carnelian, Rome, Roman

Conestabile discusses two Etruscan engraved stones in a letter addressed to the archaeologist Alexandre Bertrand, examining their subjects, inscriptions, style, and significance for the study of Etruscan glyptic art. He compares their iconography and workmanship with other known Etruscan intaglios and with classical artistic traditions, using the engraved designs and inscriptions to consider their attribution and interpretation. The note illustrates the importance attached to engraved gems as archaeological evidence for Etruscan language, mythology, artistic practice, and connections with the wider Mediterranean world.