LOT 0185

Eastern Roman Silver Ring with Victory Holding Wreath and Palm Branch Gemstone

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)).

With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left.

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.

Cf. Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.21, 2017, pp.173-245, figs.25-28, pl.2, for the type.

This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree.