Roman Sardonyx Cameo with a Winged Medusa Head in a Modern Gold Ring

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd century A.D.

Material: Gold, sardonyx

Dimensions: 57 (ring size Europe); 8.6 gram

Price: Reserved

Ref: 3672

Provenance: The cameo is from the Belgian collection Frances Artuner, acquired in the 1960s. In 1995 by descent to the daughter Suzanne Artuner, New Jersey, USA. Auctioned on 5 December 2019 with Artemis Gallery, USA. There acquired and set in a gold ring by the now dissolved gallery Fortuna Fine Arts.

Condition: Intact and very beautifully preserved.

Description: Magnificent cameo of a three-layered sardonyx depicting a winged Medusa in a modern 21-carat gold ring. The cameo depicts the very sculptural head of Medusa with fine, in Roman times already lovable features. The smiling face is framed by short curls, above on the sides the wings are protruding. In a second thin white layer where the black background shines through, wild, serpentine strands encircle the head. In 2020 the masterly cut stone was set in a gold ring with a rectangular cross section and custom-made setting. Ready to wear.