Sard intaglio portrait of a woman 25 BC

This sard intaglio portrait of a woman, created by the Roman artist Solon around 25 BC, is a beautiful example of Roman gem carving. Intaglios were small, engraved gemstones often used as seals or amulets. The delicate carving captures the features of the woman in profile, with a focus on her detailed hairstyle and the subtle curves of her face. The use of sard, a reddish-brown gemstone, adds warmth and richness to the piece. Today, this small but intricate artwork is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.