Description:

Roman, Republic period, ca. 1st century BCE; Europe, Neoclassical period, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A refined Roman carnelian intaglio hand-carved with the image of a horse head set in a Neoclassical gold ring to be wearable. The noble steed faces left, boasting veristic features and a nicely arranged mane. Owners of horses in the Roman Republic, known as "equites," belonged to high society and had special voting privileges. Horses symbolized power and military prowess, the god Neptune, as well as the Roman legions. In addition, these animals also inspired love amongst Romans. For example, the horses of Roman Algeria were renowned, and citizens were passionate about chariot races and hunting. One mosaic found there portrays a race horse with the words, "Win or lose, we love you, Polidoxus." Size of intaglio: 0.4" L x 0.3" W (1 cm x 0.8 cm); of ring: 0.9" L x 0.8" W (2.3 cm x 2 cm); US ring size: 8; gold quality: 50.2% (equivalent to over 12 karats); weight: 4.7 grams

Another famous example comes from Emperor Caligula (r. 37 to 41 CE), who is said to have loved his horse to the point of parody - although modern historians believe that the wild stories about his devotion to Incitatus are the result of Caligula's own humorous quips and Roman chroniclers wishing to portray the emperor as insane. The cavalry rode horses in parades and on battlefields and transported elite citizens when they hunted or traveled.

Provenance: ex-Dr. Corinne Bronfman estate, Washington D.C., USA, acquired via descent; ex-Marjorie Bronfman collection, Montreal, Canada, acquired prior to 1978

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#186583

  • Condition: Ancient intaglio set in Neoclassical gold ring to be wearable. Intact and excellent with light patina in areas and nicely preserved detail.

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July 18, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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