UN GROUPE DE CAMÉES INSCRITS

Abstract

Known since the early 17th century (Peiresc), 34 hexagonal or rectangular cameos have a number of features in common: first,
technically as the stone, usually carnelian, was fire-bleached to enable it to be engraved in reverse on all sides, which would be impossible
on a natural stone; second, textually as most of the inscriptions concern erotico-amorous themes, with messages reminiscent
of those found on fibulae and a few rings from the imperial period. These cameos are widely scattered across Western Europe, and
cannot be clearly traced back to a single workshop, although a production can be located between the Loire and the Rhine.