# Intaglio Depicting a Theater Mask

- By: Ancient Roman
- Date: Intaglio: 1st century Setting: date unknown (modern)
- Medium: Intaglio: gemstone Setting: gold
- Classification: Costume and Accessories
- Dimensions: 1.5 × 2 × 2.1 cm (9/16 × 3/4 × 13/16 in.)
- Culture: Roman Empire
- Credit line: Bequest of Janis H. Palmer
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/109614)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/ea3a10f0-5b33-001b-2194-eabe293d538a/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

Engraved or carved gemstones (intaglios) were commonly incorporated into signet rings and could be pressed into wax or clay to function as a personal or official seal. The resulting impression created an image in relief that was the reverse of the carving. The many examples of engraved gems that survive today reflect a broad range of subjects and levels of artistic skill, which varied depending on the owner’s taste and financial means.

Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0