Ca. 100-300 AD (intaglio), ca. 1700-1800 AD (brooch). A remarkable example of neoclassical jewelry, featuring a Roman stone oval-shaped intaglio that has been carved with a bust of Diana, the Greek goddess of the hunt and moon. The carving is highly detailed and shows Diana facing left, with her wavy hair arranged in an intricate cascading coiffure. The facial features of the goddess are delicately rendered, with particular attention paid to her piercing eyes, strong nose, and serene expression. The intaglio is set in a neoclassical gold cell that features a twisted ropework border, which complements the classical style of the piece. The intaglio is then suspended in the center of a brooch setting that is formed from a gold shank with its upper body intricately covered with fine scrollwork. Each end of the shank is adorned with a carefully rendered ram head. The ram heads are another example of the intricate attention to detail in this piece, with their curled horns and lifelike eyes adding a further element of sophistication to the brooch. The catchplate with a pin to the reverse allowed the brooch to be securely fastened to clothing, making it a practical as well as a beautiful accessory. Incorporating Roman intaglios in neoclassical jewelry was a common practice in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The revival of classical art and culture during this period led to a renewed interest in ancient Roman intaglios, which were often used as the centerpiece for neoclassical pieces that were both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating.Size: L:41.6mm / W:26mm ; 6.86gProvenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired on the British art market in 1990s.