LOT 0166

Roman Red Jasper Gemstone with Group of Amores Harvesting Grapes in Gold Ring

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

7/8 in. (6.77 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 18.92 x 17.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R , USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)).

The hoop with flaring shoulders and an oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with a winged Amore (Erote) standing beneath a tree bearing grapevines, another Amore climbing up a ladder propped against the trunk; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

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.13344-257956.

Cf. for a similar example, Spier, J., Ancient gems and finger rings, Catalogue of the Collections. The J. Paul Getty Museum, p.103, no.252; see also the Getty Museum, museum no.2008.14, for a marble sarcophagus bearing a Dionysiac pastoral scene. V, esp. near identical gemstone in red jasper in Furtwängler, A., Beschreibung der geschnittenen Steine im Antiquarium; Antiquarium, Berlin, 1885, no.8467.

According to A. Furtwängler, the Amores are working on the olive harvest. The vintaging scenes, whether illustrating a realistic portrait of a vineyard or an abstract display of vintaging Erotes working among vine rinceaux, include realistic elements of agricultural practice. The tools and farming implements used, the method of viticulture employed, and the various stages of wine production need to be carefully observed.