Byzantine - Ring with an Intaglio of Pan - Walters 571580 - Top

The hoop of this large signet ring is decorated with scrollwork. The sides of the octagonal bezel, which is framed by two lions at the shoulders, are inscribed in Greek with a quotation from Psalm 26: "Lord, my Light and my Savior, whom shall I fear?" In contrast to this Christian motto, the intaglio depicts the pagan god Pan, who is represented as an older bearded man with goat's legs and his characteristic pipes.