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Vitrum Annulare, Pastes

Vitrum Annulare, Pastes Page of 384 Vitrum Annulare, Pastes Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
VITRUM ANNULARE.
335
recently found, which exactly corresponds with that given by Caylus (ii. pi. 89). From the fragility of the substance, perfect examples are extremely uncommon.
A singular variety of the antique paste, something between a mosaic and a cameo, is afforded by those disks, the size of ring-stones, the ground imitating Lapis-lazuli, and inlaid with other pastes forming a pattern, in very low relief. I have seen only two (Hertz), a vine-leaf and a parrot, which, being considered unique, sold for 10l. each : and the former of these is engraved in one of Caylus' plates, as a marvellous example of the art.
Under this head come most appropriately the glass disks found stuck in the plaster (before it set) which closes up the tombs in the Roman catacombs. They are for the most part the bottoms of cups, of which the upper part has completely mouldered away by age, placed with the corpse to contain the sacramental elements. Several, however, were indubitably no more than medallions manufactured to be worn for pendants by the poorer classes (who could not afford their prototypes in gold so fashionable under the Lower Empire), for they are encircled by a moulded border and having a loop attached for suspension. Within their substance they contain rude designs cut out of a stout piece of gold-leaf laid between two plates of glass, after­wards fused together and so forming one solid body. Usually the subjects are busts or full-lengths of the Saviour, or the Apostles, with appropriate legends; a few have the figure of the reigning emperor. As medallions they seem to have accompanied the interment partly as amulets to guard the repose of the dead, partly to mark the date, like the coins deposited in the sepulchres of the ages pre­ceding.
That the Christians, however, actually used drinking-glasses adorned with religious emblems, and this at an
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