ROMAN HUNTER ON HORSEBACK CARNELIAN INTAGLIO GOLD RING
Ca. 100 AD.
A gold ring with oval bezel and tapering band, the intaglio convex oval carnelian gem engraved with scene of hunter on horseback with a hunting dog by his side, the bezel overlaid in silver. Ring possibly later. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential dressing accessory, for it provided a public display of their wealth. Roman jewellery first followed fashion set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the Roman empire spread and became more prosperous, so did its jewellery designs become more increasing elaborate. The behavior of wearing rings was popular amongst the Romans, and was likely introduced by the Sabines, who in early legends, as wearing gold rings with precious gemstones. For a similar see Cf. Henig, M.; Classical Gems, The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
Size: D: 16.92mm / US: 6 1/2 / UK: N; 17.05g
Provenance: Property of a London Ancient Art Gallery; formerly in the famous Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; acquired between early 1960s to 1990s.
Estimate: GBP 1000 - 2000