In the Roman division, there are some quite wonder and impressive specimens of two of the most popular of ancient carved arts: the intaglio and cameo.

The techniques of making these objects should be thought of as each one reversing the other. An intaglio (pronounced "een-TAH-lyee-o") has been carved with a recessed image or design (and makes a good stamp impression, thereby becoming relief); while a cameo is a relief carving, and would not be used as a stamp.

The upper image shows a dark (brown) agate stone, like for a ring setting, depicting a man receiving a laurel crown. He may be an athlete, scholar, military victor, god, or who-knows-what. (Sorry this small piece is slightly fuzzy—but it's such a great object.)

The lower image shows a remarkable group of cameo-carved stones, depicting various scenes, in which the carver took great advantage of the different colored layers to make a visual contrast between the color of the background and figure(s).

JDA.