Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A stunning gold ring - of over 22 karats! - set with a carnelian intaglio of Venus and 2 Cupids. Boasting a translucent shade of vermillion, the hand-carved intaglio shows both winged Cupids confronting one another at the left, while Venus stands beneath a tree holding a palm frond; her draped gown lowered to her thighs as she leans against a column. Size of intaglio: 0.4" W x 0.6" H (1 cm x 1.5 cm); of ring: 1" W x 1" H (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm); US ring size: 9; gold quality: 93.5% (equivalent to over 22 karats); weight: 7.3 grams

Cupid (Eros) was the mischievous yet endearing god of love, a minion, constant companion, and according to some classical writers, a son of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite). In the Roman period, Cupid had become a child (to the earlier Greeks, he was a muscular youth). Here, both Cupids retain their mischievous air, ready to help couples fall in love through not-entirely-innocent interventions with the fruit of the vine.

Provenance: private London, United Kingdom collection; ex-private collection of Mr. R. Unger; ex-London, United Kingdom gallery, acquired in the 1970s on the United Kingdom art market

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#187413

  • Condition: Some light nicks and scratches to ring body, but otherwise, both intaglio and ring are intact, in overall excellent condition, and wearable!

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July 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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