Renaissance Gold Ring with Agate Cameo of the Presentation of Christ at Jerusalem

The glazed silver pendant containing illuminated miniatures on each side, one side depicting Saint Roch and the other Saint Matthew; Saint Roch shown seated on the ground while an angel is attending his bubonic plague sore on his thigh, and a white dog at his feet; Saint Matthew on the other side depicted writing the Gospel with a young attendant holding a book beside him; the frame with a fixed bale to the top and the sides adorned with a twisted silver wire decoration. 36.2 grams, 58 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Saint Roch (c. 1348–1379) is a Catholic saint, revered as the patron of plague victims, dogs, and the sick. Born in Montpellier, France, he devoted his life to caring for those suffering from the plague. According to legend, he contracted the disease himself but was miraculously healed with the help of a dog that brought him food and licked his wounds. He is often depicted with a pilgrim’s staff, a dog by his side, and a wound on his leg. His feast day is celebrated on August 16. Saint Matthew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the traditional author of the Gospel of Matthew. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector, known as Levi. He is considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors. His gospel emphasises Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. According to tradition, he preached in various regions, including Ethiopia and Persia, before being martyred. His feast day is celebrated on September 21.

Comprising a round-section hoop with foliate decoration on the shoulders, oval setting with a beaded border and gadrooned underside, set with a dark carnelian intaglio depicting a warrior hero, in heroic nudity, resting after the battle; such images usually referring to the god Ares or heroes like Achilles or Theseus; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 4.66 grams, 23.39 mm overall, 17.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



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.13394-257950.

Comprising: a two-tone oval glass intaglio showing a classical fighting scene; an impression of an intaglio showing a scene after a battle at sea with men in water and ships with broken masts. 17.76 grams total, 24-35 mm



Acquired on the European art market.