Roman Bronze Ring with Inscription

D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.

The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.

Carved in the half-round with undercuts to the curly hair, fleshy facial features; attachment ring to reverse. 2.02 kg, 17.5 cm



Acquired on the French art market, 13 November 2022. 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.13086-249672.

The finely sculpted head represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions. The softly modelled features and gentle expression recall the celebrated work of Boethos', The Boy Strangling the Goose, as well as the widespread images of Eros and the Erotes found throughout Graeco-Roman sculpture and painting. In Graeco-Roman art, representations of children occupied an important and evolving role. Initially, youthful figures were portrayed as miniature adults, but from the 4th century BC onwards - particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods - artists began to study children’s anatomy more closely, reproducing their characteristic proportions and expressions with naturalistic sensitivity. The figure of Eros, the constant companion of Aphrodite, became the quintessential model of the child in ancient art, identifiable by his traditional attributes of wings and bow. As evidenced by numerous statuettes and wall paintings unearthed at Pompeii, scenes of childhood were among the most popular subjects for adorning the gardens and interiors of wealthy Roman villas. These figures appear in lively and varied activities - playing, working, performing, or interacting with animals such as birds, hares, and dolphins - celebrating both the charm and vitality of early life within an idealised artistic vision.

Formed as a leaf with lobed scrolls above, looped suspension point with wolf-head detailing; knop finial below. 4.66 grams, 46.6 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.