This exhibition, originally prepared by Lilian Raselli, was devoted to the cutting of gemstones in Antiquity, with numerous cameos and intaglios (relief and intaglio work).
Set in rings that acted as seals, integrated into rich jewellery or worn as amulets, gems belonged to the most precious of private possessions. Valuable jewels were also part of everyday life in Roman Helvetia, as demonstrated by the numerous intaglios discovered during excavations at the Avenches site, which were added to the exhibition presented at the Avenches Roman Museum in 2007.
The abundance of motifs represented (divinities, heroes, portraits of emperors or private individuals, magical images, mythological scenes or animals) is matched by a quality of detail that leaves one speechless. This iconographic medium – the smallest ever invented by man – will not disappoint the art lover.
