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.

Provenance

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

Literature

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.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0185