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LOT 0349
Post Medieval Gold Fede Ring
ENGLAND, 16TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.71 grams, 23.07 mm overall, 20.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)).
Slender shank and expanding shoulders formed as lace cuffs, the bezel a pair of clasped hands gripping a heart.
ProvenancePrivate collection, Europe.
Acquired on the English art market.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 759, for type.
FootnotesThe two clasping hands with elaborate cuffs clutch a heart. This ring features the ancient fede motif of two hands clasped together, however in their grasp is a heart. These symbols represented love and fidelity. The ring was likely a token of love symbolising everlasting devotion, or possibly a betrothal ring. The word Fede takes its name from the Italian word for faith or trust with the two clasped hands symbolising an attachment that usually led to marriage. The motif of the two clasped hands was already in use in ancient Rome, it was a symbol of pledging of vows, which derives from the Roman ‘dextarum iunctio’ (right hand joined). Fede rings remained popular throughout Europe until well into the 19th century with their peak of manufacture during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
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AUCTIONS:
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Post Medieval Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone Depicting the Roman God Neptune
Italy, 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Depicting Neptune advancing nude from a scallop shell, holding a trident in one hand and pointing with the other; billowing banner to his rear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 15.19 grams, 31.43 mm overall, 19.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13053-248373.
Throughout Europe, and far beyond, talented gem-cutters were at work in the 19th century. Neptune was appreciated by Neoclassical cutters, as shown by a carnelian gemstone with the profile of Neptune, his face serene amidst a storm, by the American engraver George Hewitt Cushman (1814-1876). -
Roman Style Gold Pendant with Nude Female
19th century A.D. or earlierEstimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Ellipsoid plaque with incuse standing female supporting a cornucopia on one arm and a victoriola in the other hand; altar with knop finial behind her, perching eagle at her feet; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 10.48 grams, 42 mm
Private collection, Swiss. with Geneve Encheres, 14 December 2017, no.1024. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13155-249557. -
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Renaissance Silver Interlinking Necklace
Germany, 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Comprising interlinking flat loops with pierced spacers decorated with Renaissance motifs, winged telamon and ‘jewels’; sturdy hook-and-eye closure. 110 grams, 49 cm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13154-248389.
Such chains were known as a 'Sivlonot' in German Jewish tradition dating from the 16th century, in a custom whereby silver or gold chains were sent as a gift by the bridegroom to his future bride. They were worn under the bridal canopy and throughout the following week, then often brought out again for holidays and ceremonial occasions.
