Gold Ring with Red Agate Intaglio of Minerva

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd century A.D.

Material: Gold, red agate

Dimensions: 1.6 cm in diameter; 50 (ring size Europe); 13.4 gram

Price: Sold

Ref: 3617

Provenance: From an old New York private collection. Thence in the inventory of the liquidated gallery Fortuna Fine Arts.

Condition: Intact

Description: Modern 18 carat gold ring with an open work ring setting and a massive bezel, where a Roman intaglio is set. The intaglio is of red agate depicting Minerva to the right. The goddess presents herself in the type of “Athena Parthenos”. She leans on the lance with her raised left hand and holds the shield next to her with her lowered right hand. Minerva wears an attic helmet with a high crest. The most famous statue of Zeus’ daughter, to which this intaglio image from Roman times can be traced back, is certainly the colossal cult image made of gold and ivory created by Phidias, which stood in the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. Ready to wear. With base and seal impression of the intaglio.