LOT 0096

Hellenistic Gold Ring with Satyr Gemstone

2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.

1 in. (2.91 grams, 23.57 mm overall, 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2 , USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)).

With hollow-form hoop widening towards the shoulders, raised bezel set with a round intaglio, engraved with an image of a satyr or kneeling nude warrior on a baseline, wearing a Boeotian-style helmet pushed back, holding a spear in one hand and an object in the other; a marriage.

From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12322-223716.

Cf. Marshall, F. M., Catalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan and Roman in the Departments of Antiquities of the British Museum, London, 1968; Spier, J., Ancient Gems and Finger Rings, Malibu, 1992, figs.50, 112 (crouching warrior); Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 87, for type of ring; item 123, for the type of ring and the image of a crouching warrior; Boardman, J., Greek gems and finger rings, London, 2001, fig.213.

The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only part of his body which was not impervious to injury.