Onyx ring stone

Unknown

ca. 1st century BCE–3rd century CE · Onyx · Greek and Roman Art

Eros with torch, looking into a large vase out of which falls a skeleton Skeletons were popular representations in the Roman period. They bear out the Epicurean belief that life is short and must be enjoyed while it lasts, for death ends all.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1st century BCE–3rd century CE

Medium

Onyx

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881