Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE; European, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful eye agate intaglio from Ancient Rome hand-carved with a nude figure approaching an altar, set in a Neoclassical gilt silver ring to be wearable. Striding left, the figure holds a caduceus in one hand, indicating that he is likely the Roman god Mercury (Greek Hermes), as he holds one hand up to a short pillar, perhaps a shrine or torch. Natural banding of the gem beautifully frames the figure. The intaglio is mounted in a conical bezel with a castellated periphery set on a slender ring band. Size of intaglio: 0.5" L x 0.4" W (1.3 cm x 1 cm); of ring: 1" L x 0.8" W (2.5 cm x 2 cm); US ring size: 4.75; metal quality: 75.5% silver, 12.1% gold, 11.1% copper; weight: 2.7 grams

Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more. One of the most important and complex of the Greek gods, he is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis, goddess of the hunt. He is considered to be the most beautiful god and is represented as the ideal of the kouros (ephebe, or a beardless, athletic youth).

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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#186567

  • Condition: Ancient intaglio mounted in a Neoclassical ring to be wearable. Some minor nicks and softening of detail to the intaglio, as well as light scratches and patina to gilt silver ring. Otherwise, intact, wearable, and in very nice overall condition.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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