Post Medieval Silver Ring with Vibrant Blood Orange Glass Insert

Portrait of a young woman, her head turned slightly to the right, with an oval face, thin almond-shaped eyes, and a large mouth with full lips; her curly hair arranged above her forehead in a series of rich curls; her clothing consisting of a pink tunic visible at the neck and shoulders; encaustic on wood. 1.73 kg total, 47 x 33.8 cm including frame

Condition In good condition, the painted board has been mounted on to a piece of wood in recent history. The surface has a dirt overlay that is expected with age. Minor losses, affecting the top edge and and left proper edge. Minor losses throughout and one vertical crack runs the length of the wood grain.

Private collection of Dr Fred Olsen (1891-1986) and Mrs Florence Ellen Olsen (née Quittenton, d.1996), Guilford, Connecticut, by at least 1961. Exhibited at 'Coptic Art', The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 5 December 1961-7 January 1962, no.L-380-2, loan number L61.711.

Fayum portraits, painted on wood or linen, applied to the mummies of the Graeco-Roman period, are one of the most wonderful legacies that the koiné of the Graeco-Roman world has left us. Due to the favourable climate enhancing the state of preservation, these encaustic paintings have left us an almost photographic testimony of the faces of the inhabitants of Roman Egypt.

A ring dial with two bands open to one side at the centre; the outer surface engraved with measurement points and letters along the open mid section; to the inside, a series of incised lines and numbers for the hours of the day. 15.2 grams, 46 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

Comprising: a profile bust of a mature bearded man, possibly depicting a philosopher; a profile bust of a youthful woman with dressed hair. 14.3 grams total, 29 mm each



Acquired on the European art market.