LOT 0197

Greek Hellenistic Massive Gold Ring with Nike and Quadriga

3RD-2ND CENTURY BC

2" (56 grams, 52mm overall, 21.81 x 15.07mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.34, Japan 7)).

A broad D-section gold hoop extending to a large elliptical plaque with flared edge, rectangular stepped plaque with inset stone panel, intaglio design of winged Nike (Victory) in her chariot bending forward to goad her four draught horses.

From an old European collection; acquired before 1980. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate.

Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate.

See Marshall, F.H. Catalogue of the Finger Rings, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1907, item 42; Taylor, G. & Scarisbrick, D. Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the Present Day, Oxford, 1978, type 27.

The motif of Nike in her four-horse chariot appears on Greek finger rings from at least the 5th century BC. The style of this ring is very similar to one that is now in the Getty Museum, Malibu, and which came from Alexandria. It is believed that the ring, which forms part of a collection of gold jewellery, belonged to a member of the royal court, possibly Queen Arsinoe, so in all likelihood this ring also belonged to a very wealthy and influential individual. The image of a quadriga in the Classical Greek and Hellenistic periods is mostly associated with the gods who were believed to drive their chariots across the heavens and being pulled by various animals that were sacred to them.