Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio of a Capitoline Goose and a Warrior

Culture: Roman

Period: 1st century A.D.

Material: Gold, carnelian

Dimensions: 2.1 cm in diameter (ring band); 5.6 gram

Price: Sold

Ref: 3577

Provenance: French private collection Karawani since the 1970s.

Condition: Ready to wear and intact.

Description: Completely preserved and ready-to-wear Roman gold ring with a carnelian cameo depicting a Capitoline goose who routs with its aggressive chatter a Gallic warrior with shield and sword to the right. While running, the warrior turns around to the goose who is after him with raised wings. The hollow ring band with a rounded hoop on the outside and flat on the inside. A high setting with an oval rim frames the finely cut intaglio. According to the legend the sacred geese of Juno rescued the Capitoline Hill from the conquest and plunder by the Gauls in 387 B.C. Since then, the aggressive bird was considered, especially in Roman Gaul, as the Celtic form of Mars. For example, geese were also buried next to warriors. Ready to wear.