Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 2nd century; Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful Roman intaglio carved from speckled jasper to depict Silvanus, a Roman tutelary deity of woods and uncultivated lands, set in a Neoclassical gilt silver ring to be wearable. Dressed in a tunic and animal skin boots known as "embades," the bearded deity is shown frontally with his head in profile turned to his right. A goat-skin laden with fruit drapes across his body, supported by the crooks of his arms, as his left hand grasps a pruning hook. Silvanus was a protector of the forest who especially presided over plantations and delighted in trees growing wild. He is also described as a god watching over the fields and husbandmen, protecting in particular the boundaries of fields. Size of intaglio: 0.5" L x 0.4" W (1.3 cm x 1 cm); of ring: 0.9" L x 0.8" W (2.3 cm x 2 cm); US ring size: 8; silver quality: 77.5%; weight: 2.6 grams

Silvanus is described as the divinity protecting the flocks of cattle, warding off wolves, and promoting their fertility. Like other gods of woods and flocks, Silvanus was fond of music; the syrinx was sacred to him, and he is mentioned along with the Pans and Nymphs.

Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966

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#186618

  • Condition: Ancient intaglio set in Neoclassical ring to be wearable. Light patina to ring as shown, but otherwise ring and intaglio are intact and excellent with nice detail.

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August 29, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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