A ROMAN GOLD AND NICOLO FINGER RING

CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN GOLD AND NICOLO FINGER RING
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
The plain hollow hoop rounded on the interior and exterior, expanding at the shoulders, the bezel set with a flat oval nicolo engraved with an eagle standing on a palm branch, its head turned back, a wreath in its beak, the wings partially spread
1 1/16 in. (2.6 cm.) wide; ring size 7½

Provenance

Acquired by the current owner, New York, 1983.

Literature

M. Merrony, Mougins Museum of Classical Art, Mougins, 2011, p. 160, no. 23.

Exhibited

Mougins, France, The Mougins Museum of Classical Art, 2011-2012.

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Lot Essay

Eagles were common on Roman Imperial gems and were likely worn by military officers. Typically the eagle has a wreath in it beak and stands on a palm branch, both symbols of victory. Frequently the eagle stands on an altar, holds Jupiter's thunderbolt within its talons, or stands between military standards. They range from finely detailed, such as the present example, to schematic. For a similar example see no. 352 in M.-L. Vollenweider, Deliciae Leonis, Antike geschnittene Steine und Ringe aus einer Privatsammlung.

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