LOT 0332

Post Medieval Gold Ring with Sardonyx Cameo with Adoration of the Magi

ITALY, 15TH CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (4.62 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 18.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).

Featuring a finely carved sardonyx cameo illustrating the Nativity, with the Virgin Mary extending the Christ Child toward the three Magi bearing gifts, while Joseph stands beside her; the family shown emerging from an arched doorway, beneath the Star of Bethlehem; set in a 19th-century high-carat gold mount, probably English in origin.

Acquired on the European art market.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13334-258013.

Cf. similar topic in cameo form in the Royal Collection under reference RCIN 65175.

The scene is staged horizontally, with the Holy Family at one end and the Magi and their entourage proceeding towards it, essentially unfolding in the foreground in a sort of procession, one behind the other. This was the standard image, although in the Italian School of Renaissance the same scene was often modified according to the vision of Botticelli, who put at the centre the Holy Family.