Roman Style Silver Ring with Cupid Riding a Dolphin Gemstone

A lead seal tag bearing two oval-shaped impressions containing figural motifs: the smaller impression possibly a standing winged figure facing right; the larger impression portraying a standing figure holding an object. 15.19 grams, 36 mm



Acquired in the 1970s. Important European collection.

A gold ring composed of a hoop with expanded shoulders and raised oval bezel with filigree collar, set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with a dolphin. 3.66 grams, 21.43 mm overall, 18.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

An ellipsoid carnelian gemstone with intaglio figure of Mars wearing a helmet and bearing a cornucopia in one hand and a miniature figure of Victory in the other; set in a later gold ring. 8.93 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Ex Marianne Maspero, 1980. with Pierre Berge & Associes, Paris, France, 16 May 2018, lot 230. English private collection.

Mars was the ancient Roman god of war and agriculture; the majority of his festivals were held in March, when the season for military campaigning commenced, whilst the season for farming ended. Mars symbolised military power as a method for securing peace and stability and was believed a protective father of the Roman people. In Roman mythology, Mars raped Silvia, thus fathering Romulus and Remus, the famous twins suckled by the She-wolf and founders of the city of Rome. The animals most closely associated with Mars are the woodpecker, wolf and bear.