LOT 0155

Roman Gold Ring with Gem Depicting Alexander the Great Hunting

3RD CENTURY A.D.

1 1/4 in. (33.97 grams, 31.98 mm overall, 20.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)).

Composed of a large openwork hoop and bezel set with a jasper gemstone, intaglio image of a mounted cavalryman wearing a high-crested pseudo Corinthian helmet and holding a barbed javelin in his hand, protecting his horse from the leaping lion attacking from the rear, a tree behind.

Acquired on the New York art market in 1995.
Ex French collection.
with Christie's, London, 25th April 2007, lot 187.
Important North West London collection.

Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.079872.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11775-204565.

See Marshall, F.H., Harcourt-Smith, C., Catalogue of the Finger Rings, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities British Museum, London, 1907, item 801, for similar gold ring; Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 214, for type; for comparable lion hunting scene see Boardman, J., Greek Gems and finger rings, early Bronze Age to Late Classical, London, 1973 (2001), nos.924,1070.

The massive size, shape and the volute decoration is typical of the 3rd century A.D. and similar rings are visible in the collections of the British Museum and Mainz State Museum. The subject of the intaglio is made with great skill, exquisite artistry and engraved in fine detail. The lion hunt theme is typical of the Hellenistic world since the time of Alexander the Great.