Ca. 100-300 AD. A carnelian intaglio set in a possibly later gold ring capturing a poignant scene of mourning, likely depicting Aristomenes, sitting on a pile of rocks and beneath a tree. In Greek mythology, he was a Messenian warrior who fought against the Spartans in the 8th century BC. It is possible that the mourning depicted in the intaglio relates to his eventual defeat at the hands of the Spartans, which would have been a significant event in Greek history. Alternatively, it is possible that the mourning depicted in the intaglio has a more symbolic or allegorical meaning, rather than a literal one. For example, the winged figure in front of Aristomenes could be interpreted as a representation of death or the afterlife, suggesting that the scene is a contemplation of mortality and the impermanence of life. The finely engraved details of the figures and the setting provide a glimpse into the artist's skill and the emotional depth of the scene. Size: D: 19.35mm / US: 9 1/2 / UK: S 1/2; 4.95gProvenance: Private London collection, UK art market before 2000.