Roman Entalle; Roman Empire, 2nd century AD.

Roman Entalle; Roman Empire, 2nd century AD.
Empress Sabina.
Jasper.
Measurements: 15 x 11 mm.

Oval-shaped pendant with representation of a female bust in profile to the left, identified as the Empress Sabina, wife of Emperor Hadrian, with diadem and wavy hairstyle. On both sides of the figure are incised the Greek letters sigma and phi.

The portraits of Sabina in Roman glyptics reflect her importance as empress during the reign of Hadrian (117-138 AD). Sabina's image was used as a symbol of virtue, dignity and dynastic continuity, highlighting her public role and influence in the imperial court. The elaborate hairstyles, carefully worked, constitute one of the main dating elements, following official models disseminated from the court.

The inclusion of incised Greek letters next to the bust is a documented practice in some carvings, either as abbreviations of names, workshop marks or symbolic signs. Jasper was valued in Roman glyptics for its resistance and chromatic variety, qualities that made it suitable for use as a personal seal mounted on a ring.