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LOT 0858
Roman Gemstone of Hercules with Ceryneian Hind in Gold Ring
2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (24.05 grams, 29.85 mm overall, 22.95 x 22.30mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)).
Red jasper intaglio engraved with nude Hercules draped in lion's skin, holding antlers of a reclining hind; set into a later substantial gold ring with carinated hoop and enigmatic italic inscription to the inner face with date 1922.
ProvenancePrivate collection, England.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13171-249502.
For the pose, see National Archaeological Museum of Spain, item 38315BIS; The British Museum, registration number 1805,0703.137.
FootnotesThe third labour of Hercules was to capture the Ceryneian hind, a swift, golden-antlered animal sacred to the goddess Artemis (Diana), required to bring it alive to the court of King Eurystheus. He accomplished the task after a year-long chase, when he wounded the hind's legs with an arrow near the Ladon River. He explained the situation to Artemis, and after he showed the hind to the king, the animal was released back into nature.
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LOT 0858
Roman Gemstone of Hercules with Ceryneian Hind in Gold Ring
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Romano-British Bronze Ring with Lozenge
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising an expanding hoop with angled shoulders, the bezel with raised lozenge decorated with incised pellets and an X-motif. 3.42 grams, 21.94 mm overall, 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Found Northants border, UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Rings of these typologies seem to have been manufactured in Britain, and are characterised by decorative mouldings on the hoop. Sometimes the broad elements of the hoop had a decorative setting soldered to it. -
Roman Bronze Decorated Military Bracelet
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Penannular type with rounded ends, chamfered panels with punched-point detailing, hatching. 26.09 grams, 67 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Ring with Early Christian Gemstone
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
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.
