CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.

Engraved on this ringstone is an unusual scene of a nude goddess seated on a crab. She is framed by arching drapery billowing above (velificatio), held in place on one side by her outstretched hand and on the other by one of the crab’s claws. A deity seated on a crab is unusual on gems. For a related example, see the black agate gem formerly in the Currie Collection, which features Oceanus seated on a crab (pl. LXIII, 39 in A. Furtwäwangler, Die Antike Gemmen). It would seem likely that our goddess is Tethys, wife of Oceanus, although other possibilities would include Salacia (Amphitrite to the Greeks), wife of Neptune, or a Nereid.

The gem is mounted as a ring in a 18th century gold setting; bearing two hallmarks, the mitre and crossed keys of Rome and A34P, likely the maker’s mark. The interior of the hoop is incised 138, which corresponds with the Story-Maskelyne auction lot number.