Amethyst Intaglio from Ancient Rome, c.25 BCE: this ringstone measures just 2cm tall, and it’s engraved with a portrait of the Greek orator, Demosthenes; the artist’s name, Dioskourides, is also inscribed along the right side [3588×4841]
by SixteenSeveredHands
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This 2,000-year-old ringstone features an intricate portrait of Demosthenes, along with a Greek inscription that identifies the artist as Dioskourides.
Dioskourides was the chief gem-engraver of Emperor Augustus, as [this article describes:](https://www.alaintruong.com/archives/2019/03/28/37214654.html#:~:text=Roman%20amethyst%20intaglio)
> A Roman amethyst intaglio with a portrait of Demosthenes is another masterpiece in the collection and is one of the most important gems to survive from antiquity. To the right of the bust, in small neat letters is the inscription “of Dioskourides,” the artist’s signature. Dioskourides was named the chief gem engraver for Emperor Augustus (63 B.C.-14 A.D.).
> Dioskourides’ portrait of Demosthenes is without question a masterpiece. The gem was admired as much for the high quality of its craftsmanship and its exceptionally deep engraving, rare for an ancient intaglio, as for its identifying signature, since Dioskourides was recognized throughout the Renaissance and into the modern era as the greatest gem engraver of the Roman world.
> Dioskourides is the only gem-engraver of the Roman period who is not only mentioned by ancient writers but also known from surviving works. At present, in addition to his Demosthenes portrait, six other intaglio gems and one cameo survive that bear Dioskourides’ signature, while several others are assigned to him on account of quality and style.
> Nothing is known about the ancient owner of Dioskourides’ Demosthenes.
The ringstone was acquired by the Getty Museum back in 2019.
#Sources & More Info:
– Getty Museum: [Intaglio with Bust of Demosthenes](https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/109Q08)
– Alain Truong: [Christie’s to Offer Miniature Engraved Gems Formerly in the G. Sangiorgi Collection](https://www.alaintruong.com/archives/2019/03/28/37214654.html)
– Getty Museum: [Portable Art: The Fashion and Function of Ancient Engraved Gems](https://www.getty.edu/visit/cal/events/ev_3303.html)
– Christie’s: [Roman Amethyst Ringstone with a Portrait of Demosthenes](https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6199216)
I can generally read the Greek alphabet, however I can’t see how the right side says Dioskourides. Can someone please explain how I should be reading it to make that out?