Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE; Western Europe, probably England or France, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning carnelian intaglio of warm vermilion hues that is incised along the convex topside with intriguing imagery of a peacock standing over an offering basin. One side of the scene shows a tall cornucopia while the other side displays a slender herm, and above the fowl is a leafy branch. Peacocks held symbolic significance in the Roman Empire as they were associated with Juno, the goddess of marriage and women. They were often depicted in art and adorned ceremonial robes, symbolizing immortality, renewal, and beauty within Roman culture. Mounted inside of a modern 49% silver ring covered in 28.96% gold gilding, this is a fabulous and wearable artifact from ancient Rome! Size (intaglio): 0.50" L x 0.39" W x 0.09" H (1.3 cm x 1 cm x 0.2 cm); (ring setting): 0.55" L x 0.76" W x 0.82" H (1.4 cm x 1.9 cm x 2.1 cm); silver quality: 49%; gold gilding quality: 28.96% (equivalent to 6K+); weight: 2.5 grams; US ring size: 7.5

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 191; ex-William Arnold-Forster (1886-1951), Cornwall and London, Untied Kingdom; ex-M.H. Story Maskelyne (1823-1911), Wroughton, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

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#186638

  • Condition: Wearable as shown and constructed in modern times. Carnelian intaglio is ancient; ring setting is modern. Minor abrasions.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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