Massive gold ring with an intaglio of an imperial eagle. Roman, 3rd century AD.
A massive ancient gold ring with a nicolo intaglio of an imperial eagle.
Roman, 3rd century AD.
Ring size approximately R UK / 8.5 US.
Weighs 28.4 grams.
The intaglio measures 1.3 x 1cm.
The ring measures overall 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.7cm.
The ancient gold ring is solid, architectural in form with carved scrolls and gadrooning. The ring is set with a nicolo intaglio of an eagle, stood upon a ground line with a laurel wreath clutched in its beak. As heavy gold jewellery was reserved exclusively for important dignitaries, the ring was made for a person that desired to show their support for the emperor by displaying the image of the imperial eagle.
The eagle was a symbol of imperial power in ancient Rome, representing courage, strength, and immortality. It was also featured on the standard of the Roman Legions, carried into battle by the Aquilifer, a highly prestigious position in the Roman army.
Provenance: Private English Collection.
A similar example set with a banded agate can be found in the collection of the British Museum, registration number: 1917,0501.802, see also 1917,0501.801 and 1917,0501.536.
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1917-0501-802
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1917-0501-801
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/G_1917-0501-536
The Musée du Louvre has in it’s collection a comparable ring set with a nicolo intaglio, numéro catalogue : Bj 1286, see also Bj 1287 and Bj 1288.
https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255837
https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255838
https://collections.louvre.fr/ark:/53355/cl010255839
Another comparable ring can be found int he collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, Reference Number 2013.1105.
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/203700/finger-ring-with-intaglio-depicting-eros
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