Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE; Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning banded agate intaglio featuring the bearded mask of the Roman god Bacchus (Greek Dionysus), all set in a gilt silver ring to be wearable. Carved into a mocha-hued stone, the forward-facing mask presents a long, coiled beard and a mischievous smile, all crowned by a foliate crown. The gem is mounted on a bifurcated silver band adorned with a decorative knot motif on each shoulder. Size of intaglio: 0.4" L x 0.3" W (1 cm x 0.8 cm); of ring: 0.9" L x 0.8" W (2.3 cm x 2 cm); silver quality: 73.4% silver, 12.1% gold; weight: 1.9 grams

The religion of Bacchus often included rituals involving the sacrifice of goats or bulls, and at least some participants and dancers wore wooden masks associated with the god. In some instances, records show the god participating in the ritual via a masked and clothed pillar, pole, or tree, while his worshipers eat bread and drink wine. The significance of masks and goats to the worship of Bacchus seems to date back to the earliest days of his worship, and these symbols have been found together at a Minoan tomb near Phaistos in Crete.

Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired March 31,1966; ex-Sotheby's, London, United Kingdom, "Catalogue of the Story-Maskelyne Collection of Ancient Gems, the Property of W.E. Arnold Forster, Esq., 4-5 July 1921, lot 139; ex-William Arnold-Forster (1886-1951), Cornwall and London, United Kingdom; ex-M.H. Story Maskelyne (1823-1911), Wroughton, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

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#186675

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

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August 18, 2024 11:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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