From the time of the renaissance onward, there was a renewed fascination with the art and culture of classical antiquity. Familiarity with the civilizations of Greece and Rome was considered an essential part of a complete education. This interest in the past reached its culmination in the Neo-Classical movement, which imitated directly the styles and fashions of the ancient world. This striking intaglio ring is a superb example of Neo-Classical art, echoing an ancient prototype. It depicts the noble profile head of a man in the prime of life. This rich and elegant jewel makes a splendid appeal to the senses. Timeless in its beauty, it is worth to have adorned the hand of some ancient emperor.