Mastery of Design: Two Figures in Combat, 50-150

Click image to enlarge
Carved Cameo
Rock Crystal
Italy, 50-150 C.E.
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This ancient, carved jewel features a cameo fragment of rock crystal. The cameo was made in Italy between 50 and 150 C.E. and shows the beauty of ancient gemstone carving. The cameo is adorned with two figures engaged in combat. A female figure—seen only from the waist down—appears to be fighting a male figure who wears a tunic. Representations of leaves, vines, and tendrils adorn this odd scene. A depiction of a man fighting a woman is quite unusual and one wonders what the story is behind this handsome jewel.